[Antennas] Optimal longwire for QRP

[George, W5YR]

I also use parallel shock cords on all my tree-mounted antennas and so far
they have lasted for several years with no problems.

I strongly recommend that you use either several cords in parallel or use a
slack "safety" rope in parallel with the cord(s) just in case they should
break or whatever. So, far, I have used only two (belt and suspenders!)
cords at each end of my major tree mounted antenna and both are still in
like-new condition after several years of service and weather exposure.

Charles and I have must think alike in several ways - I also use standard
THHN #14 stranded "house" wire for all my antennas with excellent service
and reliability. Can't beat the cost at $15 for 500 ft at Home Depot.

73/72/oo, George W5YR - the Yellow Rose of Texas         
Fairview, TX 30 mi NE of Dallas in Collin county EM13qe   
Amateur Radio W5YR, in the 56th year and it just keeps getting better!
QRP-L 1373 NETXQRP 6 SOC 262 COG 8 FPQRP 404 TEN-X 11771 I-LINK 11735
Icom IC-756PRO #02121  Kachina 505 DSP  #91900556  Icom IC-765 #02437


Charles Greene wrote:
> 
>
> LLoyd,
> 
> I have two antennas supported by trees.  I first tried the weight and
> pulley, but the motion of the tree was so violent that the wire, #22 grey
> insulated stranded, kept breaking.  So I replaced it with #14 wire.  I also
> added six 36" shock cords in parallel to take up the shock of the tree when
> it moved at the end opposite the tree.  The antenna is 60' to the house
> from the tree and another 25' down to the ground where I have a balun and
> three counter poises.  Last summer I added a G5RV antenna to another
> tree.  I just used a pulley to pull it up and let the six shock take up the
> shock of the tree.  Still up after some 50 knot gusts.  The G5RV works
> better than the wire, but it about 10' higher.