[Antennas] Running Ladder Line Through a Wall

Thu Sep 9 02:05:13 EDT 2004

Hi Robert and to all who answered my question. I thank all of you very
much. Unfortunately Robert, I am in the same position as the other
gentleman who has too much of a wire jungle to permit running ladder line
through it. But, the feedback from you and everyone has been very helpful.
I'm sorry I took so long to answer but our internet connection was down most
of the day today.
Very 73 to you and all--especially Les with whom I've had some nice email
QSO's in the past. 
Kevin :)
Amateur Radio: K7RX
Navy Marine Corps MARS: NNN0SHS

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Lay [mailto:w9dmk at crosslink.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2004 07:07
To: k7rx at comcast.net; antennas at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Antennas] Running Ladder Line Through a Wall
Dear Kevin,
I have a method similar to that described by KA8VIT with a couple of
important differences.
I use two coax lines - each is long enough to go from the outside to the
inside of the wall. As soon as they are through the wall, I transition back
to ladder line. [This keeps the losses in the coax to a minimum.]
I do NOT solder the coax braids together - I leave the outer insulation
intact.
I ground the two shields of the two coaxes to a ground frame outside. This
has the effect of providing a very short path to earth for any minor induced
lightning surges. [You can draw your own conclusions about the relative
advantages or disadvantages of this.]
I use a copper tubing line from the ground post on my balanced tuner to the
outside ground frame as the single ground path from my rig and tuner to the
outside earthing.
I have had as many as 3 separate balanced lines coming from outside to
inside via a PVC pipe through the wall, using this method.
Bob Lay (W9DMK), Dahlgren, VA
w9dmk at crosslink.net
http://www.qsl.net/w9dmk