[Lowfer] Bill's Loop

[Bill Ashlock]

Peta,

>Re: Your Tree Hung Loop
>Interesting, that large of pipe for the radiator. You are helping paint
>a more complete picture ... still some gaps.

Yah, this the largest diameter (actually almost 1" OD) I could support and 
rotate in the back yard.

>Owing from Mike's post, this 3/4 in. CU pipe loop is 20 feet per side
>on a square, and it's mounted in w/ a side parallel to the ground?

Mike's stop sign analogy is excellent.

>So that means there is a coupling inside the top section and a gap for
>feed connection at the bottom. Is the top hung at the center and guys
>from the top ends up to where the center guy attaches?

Let's see....  The guys, three of them, run in a 120deg pattern in a plane 
that is parallel to the ground and passing through the top of the loop. I'm 
not sure what you mean by "coupling inside the top section" . There is no 
coupling, other than the feed connection at the center of the lower 
horizontal section.

>For the solder joints and weathering, what observations have you made,
>including your other loops? I recall someone reported weakening after
>what seemed like a short time out of doors.

Yah, that's a good point, Peter! The 1/2" pipe loop (E/W) has been up there, 
untouched, for about 17 months, and I haven't really thought about its 
construction for a long time. The solder was regular leaded type that I 
sweat in place with minimal heat so as to maintain the temper in the pipe. 
The 9" long wood dowels inserted in each joint apparently have kept the 
joints from flexing, which might be the key factor, here, not the type of 
solder.

>One last thing, how are the feed ends finished for attachment: end caps
>w/ bolt and lug attachment, or maybe soldered pigtail method?

All my loops have simple #8 pigtails that are soldered to the ends of the 
loop. No end caps, especially allowing for drainage if there is any leakage 
at any of the joints or internal sweating. Considering losses at these 
frequencies, I don't think the smoothness of the transition from big 
diameter to small diameter has to be that elegant.

Bill

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