[Antennas] Questions: Copperweld, Masts, TTFD, etc

[Darryl J. Kelly]

Dennis,
I have a 50' push-up pole supporting the center of a center fed zepp
(dipole) 136' long, 20' up at the ends and fed with 300 ohm twinlead. It has
been up for about 3 years and doing well. The wire is #14 THNN insulated
wire. I am using three sets of guy wires, the top two are 3/16" double
braided black Dacron, and bottom set is galvanized stranded steel. Recently
built a double balanced tuner with two roller inductors and choke balun as
per recent QST article, and it works great. 300 Ohm twinlead is #20
copperweld stranded, good quality Channel master wire, and serves very well
for my 100+ watts. I have a problem with the 220 service drop wires that
keeps me from using the whole backyard for a loop. Recently got my DXCC and
also have QRP WAS. Hope this is of interest.
73,
Darryl, KK5IB

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis L. Wade" <dlwade@pacbell.net>
To: <antennas@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2002 12:39 PM
Subject: [Antennas] Questions: Copperweld, Masts, TTFD, etc


> Hello everyone
>
> I've moved into a new house which sits on over 1/3 ac recently,
> and plans for antennas are just about firmed up.  I'd like to briefly
> describe those plans below, ask some questions and solicit any
> comments/opinions you'd like to share.
>
> The main support is a 50 ft. push up TV mast.  It will support
> the point of a delta loop antenna of about 300' of wire.  It will also
> have a copper pipe J-pole antenna for 6 meters and another copper
> pipe J-pole for 2m/440 mhz at the top which I estimate to be at
> about 70' above the ground.  The lower sections may support some
> receiving antennas for VHF/UHF scanning.
>
> I intend avoid the problems with metal guys by using Mylar
> rope.  1/4" rope has a breaking strength of 1,200 lbs and Mylar is
> reported to not have the fungus, moisture or stretch problems of
> other ropes and is recommended by one company (U.S. Rope) for
> antenna applications.
>
> Antenna wire:  I can obtain over 600' of #15 solid Copperweld
> wire.  I intend to use it for the Delta Loop and also for a TTFD
> antenna of about 100' in length.  Is #15 an appropriate size for the
> Delta Loop of over 300'?  Will I regret using solid copperweld when I
> try to handle it?  Is DC resistance a factor in any way?  I also
> intend to feed both wire antennas with homemade open wire feed
> (the loop being fed at a lower corner) made with the Copperweld.  Is
> that overkill for the feedlines?  I will probably use an air core balun
> at the entrance to the shack for both antennas.
>
> Feel free to share any opinions on the TTFD.
>
> The Sacramento area is in the Central Vally of California.  We
> don't have hurricanes, severe thunderstorms or tornadoes.  Our
> earthquake risk is even low by California standards.
>
> Thanks for your time in considering the above.  Feel free to
> share any opinions.  I subscribe to the digest, so reply direct and
> to the list if you desire.
>
> Dennis
>
>
>
>
> -----------------
> "If you can remain calm, you just don't have all the facts"
>
> Dennis Wade
> KG6ZI
> Carmichael, CA
> - - -
>
> Your moderator for this list is:
> Larry Wilson KE1HZ antennas-owner@mailman.qth.net
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