[Lowfer] Beacon NC LF web page

[Dexter McIntyre W4DEX]

Peter,  

The loop spokes are made of 1 1/4" ID SCH40 PVC.  The OD of the pipe
measures a little over 1 1/2".  I made that correction on the page. 
Thanks for calling my attention to it.  I also changed the pipe size
used for the coil which is 1" ID.

The T for the 1 1/4" pipe is a little over 4" long.  The groves for the
wires are spaced about 5 mm apart.  The metric scale on my ruler allowed
20 equal divisions spaced 5 mm apart with a shoulder at each end.  I
considered adding short pipes to the Ts to get wider wire spacing for
less capacitance.  Instead of doing that I am going to add spacers to
the wires between the spokes in a basket weave manner.  I figure this
will reduce the total capacitance plus tighten the wires a little.

I had planed to add a plate across the wires at each T to hole then in
place.  This proved to be unnecessary.  The whole assembly seems to be
structurally sound.  Much more so than the 10 foot square loop made with
1 inch PVC that the new loop replaces.  The old square loop is wound
with #18 stranded wire.  It did survived several ice storms that I
thought it would not recover from.  My main reason for replacing it was
because when the wind was blowing the resonant frequency would change. 

73,
Dex

Peter Barick wrote:
> 
> Like to add to Rye's thoughts on Dex's new site, yes, it loads quick and offers good insight into Dex's recent constructions. FB on both. This is not to deprecate those other industrial strength sites we have access to from the List, merely to appreciate "simpler" things too.
> 
> I'm curious about the 10-foot, 8-spoke loop w/ � in. pvc spreaders. On winding it w/ no. 14 solid, was there any concerns about flexing and winding sagging when 20 turns were completed? How'd it turn out fully wound? Are you content w/ the � in. spreader size?
> 
> Next, the turns are affixed to the spreader ends using the companion "T" fittings. Okay. But how tightly together are those 20 turns packed to fit on a 3 in. long T? And what holds them firm during wind buffeting, silicone sealant, other? Anything special holding the end-turns, those are most at risk?
> 
> If I'm guessing correctly, many of us have found ourselves at the local home store in the plumbing dept. as if playing w/ our Tinker Toy sets "fabricating" loops. On one such occasion, I concluded that the � pvc was too whippy and that 3/4 may be better for some future loop of mine. "Can I help you?" the store guy asked. Hmm? My usual stoic looking face melted to grin as I visioned what he must be thinking finding me shaking a 10-footer, "Yokel gonna re-plumb the bath today. Let me show 'em where the hole is." Ugg, "NO." I meekly smiled and moved on to the next isle. Electrical wiring and stuff. Hey, look at the house wire and only $0.14 / foot.  . . .
> 
> I know these are pickey Qs, but they are driven by my recently disassembled 10-foot wooden cross-type loop that didn't last to long. The horizontal arm sagged, turns loosened, and the outer ones fell off at times. It's been replaced w/ a smaller 5-spoke one that's now being tested. Should be an improvement.
> 
> Peter
> -------------------------------------------
>