[Antennas] Antenna support weight

Thu Feb 15 07:07:37 EST 2007

Two comments on the reply below - first a weight heavy enough to maintain 
tension on a dipole is indeed potentially dangerous IF suspended very high above 
one's head. But if extended so that it is just a couple of feet above the 
ground it presents little danger. Second comment is regarding the use of Clorox 
or any plastic container. These materials are very UV sensitive and can 
degrade rapidly when exposed to sun light. 
Use of water and a temporary container to determine the necessary weight is 
simple and expedient, however after that determination, a more permanent 
anchor such as cement in a bucket with a eyebolt imbedded does the job.
Your choice of antenna support rope should not be nylon, (stretch and UV 
degradation) but use dacron/polyester for low stretch and a black dacron out 
jacket for abrasion and UV protection. It could be combined with a metallic cable, 
but the polyester ropes are very strong (3/16" diameter recommended).
Norm W4QN
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Subject: Re: [Antennas] dipole support: steel cable???
A GREAT APPROACH, I AGREE.
 RE: WEIGHTS ON THE END OF THE ROPE MAYBE AS FOLLOWS:
 HOWEVER, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO CREAT AN INJURY OR KILL 
SOMEBODY, PERHAPS ONES SELF,
USE NOTHING HEAVIER THAN A USED/EMPTY CLOROX BOTTLE OR EQUVELANT 
FILLED WITH WATER, TO THE
COUNTER WEIGHT NECESSARY TO DO THE JOB.
 HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD ONE USE IT IS LIKE FEEDING MARTINIS 
TO A YOUNG LADY...TOO MUCH
OR TOO LITTLE DOES NOT DO THE JOB INTENDED!!!!
 CONCRETE OR STEEL COUNTERWEIGHTS WILL KILL OR SEVERE 
INJURIES, BELIEVE ME.
LEE, 7J1AAP