[Elecraft] NorCal Doublet

[Don Wilhelm]

My feedline is permanently soldered to the radiator wires.  Since my 
field/portable operation is always QRP, the insulators are cut from a 
sheet of 1/4 inch Lexan that I have lying around, but there is no reason 
that plastic from a milk container or similar could not be used instead.

As I said, I have a 25 foot length of feedline permanently affixed to 
mine, and I carry an additional 25 ft. length of feedline for use when 
needed and more convenient.  I use APP connectors to attach the extra 
length and the balanced side of the balun has a short length of feedline 
with an APP on it.

Think about your deployment situations and use whatever works for you.

73,
Don W3FPR

Frank MacDonell wrote:
> Thanks Don and all who responded - I am taking your advice and
> ordering the wire. I have also ordered a BLT and I am waiting for it
> to arrive.
>
> 2 Questions - How do you terminate the ladder line with the antenna
> line and what are your recommendations for supporting the antenna in
> the field. Thanks a lot for your help!
> FJM
>
> On Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 12:15 AM, Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com> wrote:
>   
>> Frank,
>>
>> I do not know of a source, but contrary to other posts, the Norcal doublet
>> used actual computer #26
>> IDS wire (not rotator wire).
>>
>> Don't get me wrong, the rotator wire will work, but it will not be as
>> lightweight as one constructed of computer flat cable as the NorCal doublet
>> was.
>> If you want an antenna that will perform just like the NorCal doublet, use
>> any kind of wire for the radiator, cut to 22 ft. on each side and feed it
>> with 300 ohm ladder line.  I use the #22 teflon wire offered frequently by
>> N2GO on the QRP reflector for the radiating element, and use either lengths
>> of the same N2GO wire twisted for the feedline or I use the 300 ohm ladder
>> line.  The teflon insulation is nice because it does not stick to tree limbs
>> and if tangled is easy to untangle because of the 'slippery' nature of
>> teflon.  The antenna is the same as the NorCal doublet, but the wire is
>> different.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> Frank MacDonell wrote:
>>     
>>> Does anyone know where one can purchase the wire for the NorCal
>>> Doublet Antenna (4 strand computer ribbon wire)? Thanks
>>>
>>>
>>>       
>
>
>
>   
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