[Elecraft] Thanks ref - Antenna wire question for long spans

[Stuart Rohre]

If one is building an antenna for an EOC you do NOT want to use too small a 
wire, and its attendant weak breaking strength.

Use no. 14 or larger wire, stranded.  Use heavier duty insulators, good 
ceramics or glass if you can get them in place of plastics which deteriorate 
in the sun in a short time.  Use good quality tie off lines.  Nylon 
stretches, but can be used if you tighten up the stretch or use a spring. 
There are compression springs made for electric fence gates.  These are 
better than extension springs for antenna work.  You can buy Phillystrand or 
other better quality synthetic lines to hold up the insulators on doublets, 
that stretch less.

Remember, you do not want your antenna to come down in the storm, or "The 
Big One".   Check them on your regular station check outs at the EOC.  They 
may mean taking off early from work so you can check the antenna visually in 
daylight.  A pair of binoculars is useful to avoid climbing the tower.

Expect to service your antenna twice a year for some storm induced problem. 
That has been our experience with a 65 foot tower at Red Cross here.

Stuart
K5KVH