Okay.. I built the antenna

[n2ize]

I built myself a new doublet antenna. Basically just a center insulator with 80-90 feet of wire on each side. Now I am faced with a dilemma. Should I buy ready made 450-600 ohm open (balanced) wire line, or should I build my own ? If I do decide to buy ready made what types do you recommend ? I am tempted to build my own but...:chin:

[WØTKX]

I use the solid core because I got some cheap, but check out #552

http://www.thewireman.com/antennap.html#balanced

[KG4CGC]

Best advice I can give you, John is to check out a hamfest. Not Wireman though. Used wire is good too. Test for continuity. LOL!
I picked up a NEW! 60' roll 450 ohm last may for less than $14 Then last October I found a roll of old or used wire that was in fine shape. Almost 250' for $15. In both of course, I saved on shipping charges even though I spent gas to get there but, it wasn't just about the wire, it was about all the sights (and smells) of the hamfest scene.

[WØTKX]

I keep wanting to buy 100' of that stranded stuff. For longevity.

I figured this may be the last time John ever wants to put this antenna up. :dunno:

;)

[NQ6U]

It largely depends on how much you need. If it's only a small amount, it might be worth it to D-Y-I, but if you need a lot, then you have to take into account how much your time is worth to you when you calculate any savings achieved. Take the cost of the wire and the spreader material, then add that to what you feel you're worth per hour multiplied it by how many hours you think it's going to take. My suggestion: figure the longest possible time you think it will take--then double it. Projects always take longer than you expect.

I'm betting that if you use my calculation method, you'll decide to buy. I concur with trying to find the line used if you can but even new may make more economic sense.

[n2ize]

Well, I figure 75 - 100 feet ought to do it. Actually I have even had good results using ultra cheap old fashioned 300 ohm TV twin lead. And the dang stuff was able to take some wattage too.

[n2ize]

Approx 4.5 - 6 inch pieces of PVC pipe as spacers with slits on the ends to accomodate the wore ought to do it. I think I'm going to homebrew my own.

[WØTKX]

Awww. That antenna will never go up. :neener:

[KG4CGC]

Approx 4.5 - 6 inch pieces of PVC pipe as spacers with slits on the ends to accomodate the wore ought to do it. I think I'm going to homebrew my own.
In that case you need to use whale bone.

[NQ6U]

In that case you need to use whale bone.

And don't forget to send the pieces off to Nunavut to be gummed by toothless Inuit women before assembly. It will lower the SWR.

[KG4CGC]

And don't forget to send the pieces off to Nunavut to be gummed by toothless Inuit women before assembly. It will lower the SWR.
He speaks the truth.

[n2ize]

In that case you need to use whale bone.

Notice I said the slits in the PVC pipe is to accommodate the whore...not the wire.

[KG4CGC]

Notice I said the slits in the PVC pipe is to accommodate the whore...not the wire.
Oh, I thought you said wore.

[n2ize]

Oh, I thought you said wore.

I left out the "h"... ya know...to keep it "family friendly".

[W5IEI]

I like wore slits.