[Antennas] Hustler 5-BTV Trap Vertical - New Install

Mon, 24 Feb 2003 05:14:59 -0500

Hello Don,

I've been using a Hustler 6-BTV vertical and I installed it exactly as
Hustler indicated in their installation instructions, with coils at each end
of the transmission line.   This method works very well for me and several
other nearby operators who, like you, have either 4-BTV or 5-BTV antennas.
There is no hard and fast rule for constructing the decoupling chokes, and
you can make the chokes a separate item, with connectors at each end if you
wish.  If you do it as a separate choke at the antenna end of the
transmission line, I'd recommend using good quality connectors, either 'UHF'
or 'N', filled with a dielectric water proofing filler called 'STUF', and
wrap the connectors with one of the compounds available from AES or HRO.
Try to keep the number of additional connections to a minimum to reduce
losses.  You don't have to enclose the choke in a box, but I'd protect it
against wild critters that like to munch on cables...

As for substituting ferrite cores for the 6 inch coils, you might want to
ask for some technical help at Hustler.  I have considered using ferrite
cores in place of the coils, but decided not to do so after adding up the
$$$$ for all of the cores.  A length of cable, a few connectors, and some
good quality 3M outdoor electrical tape, is a heck of lot less expensive.
Hustler's coil method works very well to keep RF out of the shack, and also
to keep the transmission line from radiating.

What are you considering as radials?   You can make the 5-BTV work with the
minimum number listed in the installation instructions, but adding more
FULLY INSULATED radials will improve the bandwidth and radiation pattern.
Read the instructions and make sure to insulate the outer ends of each
radial wire.  Home Depot, Sears, Lowes, and most local hardware stores sell
liquid tape, an insulating compound that is available in small cans with an
applicator brush inside the cap.  When you make up your radials, simply dip
the outer end in the insulating liquid and let it dry.  You might want to
crimp ring lugs on the inner ends of the radials to allow more radials to be
attached to the antenna base.  I recommend brushing some insulating liquid
on the junctions of the inner radials and the crimp lugs to avoid corrosion.
Home Depot sells #12 AWG and #14 AWG insulated wire by the roll (either 250
or 500 feet...?).  This wire makes excellent radials for burial, and accepts
the liquid tape very well.  The radials need to be approximately the lengths
indicated by Hustler, and you can lay them out in any manner you can fit
into the available space.  They do NOT need to be straight, but it helps if
they are.   As a reference, broadcasters use as many as 120 radials, 3
degrees apart.  You don't have to use that many, but you might want to
consider using more than Hustler recommends in their instruction sheet...

73, Larry - W1GOR

----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Schaefer" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2003 11:24 PM
Subject: [Antennas] Hustler 5-BTV Trap Vertical - New Install

> Antenna list members;
>
> I could use some of the expert help from you list members.  I am doing a
> new install of a Hustler 5-BTV Trap
> Vertical antenna, and this brings up two questions.
>
> 1:  How to decouple the transmission line.  The set up sheet indicates
> that since the shield of the RG-8X is attached
> to the same place that you would attach radials, that the shield will
> act as a radial.  Hustler would like for you to put
> a 6" diameter coil of the transmission line with in 8' of the attach
> point, and also another like coil with in 8' of the
> connection point to the transmitter in this cast a I-com IC-718.   I
> have been told that ferrite beads added to the line
> up to a  12" in length will do the same thing.  Is this true?  If this
> is true would EMI shield beads like ones I have found in the Newark
> parts catalogue p part number  91F6484 do the job?
>
> 2:  Is there another way to decouple the transmission line, instead of
> the coils?
>
> 3:  Would there be any problem attaching a PL-259 connector in a weather
> proof box on the base of the antenna
> to make it easier to change the transmission line and also to make sure
> that I can keep moisture out of the
> coaxial cable?
>
> I am not the sharpest tack in the box so kind of speak english when you
> give me suggestions.  Thanking you list members in advance for any help
> you could give.
>
> 73
> Don Schaefer
> Communication Specialist
> Spring, Texas
> E-mail: [email protected]
>
>
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