[Antennas] PEX tubing insulators

[Ron Youvan]

   Hi all:

> I just bought five feet of 3/8" (trade size) PEX tubing for $1.68 from Loews with the intention of
> using it as the high impedance insulators for low power (100 Watts) portable antennas. (mostly end
> fed dipoles, of the Zep design)
> (crosslinked HDPE, high density polyethylene is what clear pop bottles are made of)

> Has anyone any experience using this materiel for insulators that they can relate to us?

> <<
> PEX tubing is made from crosslinked HDPE (high density polyethylene) polymer. The HDPE is melted and
> continuously extruded into tube.
>  >>


   Well I got my answer:

  <<
Drawbacks of PEX piping include:

     Degradation from sunlight. PEX tubing cannot be used in applications exposed to sunlight, as it 
degrades fairly rapidly.  Prior to installation it must be stored away from sunlight, and needs to 
be shielded from daylight after installation. Leaving it exposed to direct sunlight for as little as 
30 days may result in premature failure of the tubing due to embrittlement
  >>

   from:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PEX

   It is a joy to work with, much like a stiff version of Teflon.  I will be taking the antennas 
that I made (20, 15 & 10 Meters) on vacation/s with me until I find a material that can cheaply 
replace it.
-- 
    73 Ron KA4INM - All E-mail sent to this address shall linger in the Google cloud forever!