[Elecraft] Parallel line feeders can be handled in the home

[Stuart Rohre]

Parallel line feeders can be used at any QTH.   One myth about parallel
feeders is that they will be greatly affected by being brought into the
shack.  IF you space them away from conductors by a few diameters of the
feeder, and if you use some easy feedthru methods, you can have easy access
to your shack for open wire feeder.  Cross even metal window sills with
little effect by running line at right angles to metal sill with insulated
ladder line or 300 ohm twinlead.  Space it on some insulating foam, or thru
a board.

One fella I know has several true wide spaced open wire home built
transmission lines across the ceiling of his shack, on standoffs.   He has
knife switches to pick one of several rigs, closing the appropriate switch
and opening others.  He does not have RF in the shack problems.

You can bring the parallel lines into the attic an twist the line every
couple of feet to lessen it coupling in an unbalanced way to nearby
influences.  You can put two insulated screws thru dry wall ceiling, and
have the line transit thru on the screws spaced the same.  On the underside
of the ceiling, the screws can attach to ladder line to the tuner balun,
etc.  If you have to move, remove the screws, and put patching compound in
two small holes say no. 8 screws or even no. 6.

Of course, before entering the house, attic, or shack with any transmission
line, provide a disconnect point for lightning protection outside the shack.

-Stuart
K5KVH