[Antennas] Open Wire Feedline

[KB4QQJ at aol.com]

If you want to perform a very basic check of the conductivity of your  
spacer, put it in the microwave for one minute. If it get "hot" to the touch it  
is not suitable for insulators. This being  a very simple but basic test.  
The black pens I've used (papermate™)come out of the microwave at 93°f and 
have  stood 600 watts and daily NC sun at my clubhouse  for the  last three 
years. It is a 41 foot section of openwire. Just my 2¢
 
Randy_KB4QQJ

 
 
In a message dated 1/26/2013 5:29:29 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
n8de at thepoint.net writes:

think  using BLACK spacers is a big mistake, as the chemical used to  
make  the pen bodies BLACK is somewhat CONDUCTIVE ... and might break  
down  under high power applications.

I prefer to use the plastic tubes that  machine tool companies discard  
from drill bits.  They are about  5 to 6 inches in length, somewhat  
transparent, and FREE, if you ask  for  them.

73
Don
N8DE