Thanks for the input on the heat, I agree it just overheated due to abuse (sometimes I do that, too).
I got some private requests for information about my field-use 88' CF doublet, so here's how I do it, designed for lightest weight: Wire for antenna and feedline: 26 AWG 19-strand copperweld, purchased from Davis RF. This wire is very lightweight yet extremely strong and flexible with an excellent insulation. I highly recommend it. Bottom of this page, their PN "POLYS-26" http://www.davisrf.com/ham1/flexweve.htm (I'm not affiliated with them in any way, all that usual stuff) I used 1/4" black irrigation tubing for the spreaders. Drilled a 5/64" hole with 1.5" spacing, then threaded them onto the wire. No glue or other attachment required. Yes, this takes some time but the finished product is GREAT! I spaced the spreaders about every 10" on the line. For the center insulator, I cut a scrap piece of 1/4" thick Lexan, drilled holes at 1.5" spacing and soldered ring lugs onto the feedline and antenna wires. Using SS wingnut HW, this assembled/disassembles easily in the field into three pieces, making it easier to store and also to install in the field. I fill the ring lugs crimp area with hot melt glue for strain relief (sounds dumb, works great). End insulators are small pieces of 1/2" PVC cut and drilled. Simple, cheap. I use a cheap-o plastic extension cord spooler to spool the feedline and antenna wire onto, making unspooling a tangle-free event. Think "Christmas tree string lights" here, same thing. 72, Steve N4SL K2/100 #4272 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
