Fw: [Antennas] windowed ladder line vs. true open wire line

Fri, 7 Feb 2003 07:17:16 -0600

Steve, I agree completely with your assessment of 450 ohm window 
ladder line. That's exactly what I have seen. Per and earlier exchange 
of information on the subject, this is what I found to minimize the 
effect: 1) cut every spacer down to about 3/16" wide at the narrow
point, the spacers will look like )( If you remove every other spacer,
the line is too easy to twist 2) coat the line with silicone spray on
a rag (silicone available at automotive and hardware stores).
There is still some effect but it's very small. As far as what is the 
easiest way of cutting down the webs ....I use a 1/2" gasket punch 
in a slowly running drill press for the two holes in the center and a 
cutter to remove the rest. Cut from along the wire towards the hole
(tangential to the hole) to keep from nicking the wire. 
Open wire ladder line is, of course, better relative to moisture and 
does not have the problem window ladder line has unless you use
too many large spacers every few inches .....but you have to make it.
73 Kees K5BCQ