[OKDXA] Plan C - NOT placing coax in plastic pipe

[Ken - K5KC]

Thanks very much to all who commented.  I learned a lot and even though the suggestions / recommendations were quite different, understanding the rationale behind each has been most helpful.

I took a look again at the 350 foot run where 250-300 feet of it is pretty rugged.  In addition to the cost of clearing a path (bulldozer virtually required), I am also concerned about setting the stage for erosion since the path is downward slightly and on or near a natural water drainage path.  So.......

Plan C: The coax run is going to connect the rig to a set of 4 beverages with switching carried out by different voltages sent over the coax (DX Engineering and many others do this).  That is, it is strictly a receiving antenna.  I can easily elevate the coax to about the 10 foot level using "T" posts on which I'd slide 1.5 inch sched 40 PVC with a hollow "T" cap through which the coax runs.  The spacing would be about 25 feet between posts.  I could zig and zag at will, and it would be a pretty simple installation (and replacement when the time comes).  

I see three possible problems with Plan C: (1) I guess some enterprising varmints could find a way to the cable for a nice meal of coax (although when I have had partial runs of elevated coax for transmit antennas this has not been a problem), (2) branches will definitely fall on it from time to time and a bit of slack / droop in the line will help some, and (3) the coax shield will act as an antenna to some extent.  This can be helped by using a good ground to the coax shield - at least near either end of the coax run, plus using a filter between the coax and the rig's receive antenna connection. I've had success reducing the noise on the coax shield through the grounding and filter for coax on the ground and also for coax direct buried 1-2 inches, but have never tried it for coax 10 feet high.

Has anybody had any experience with something like Plan C?  Is there a tragic flaw?  

73 Ken K5KC