Re: Topband: Source for durable ladder line?

[Mike Waters]

Exactly how much is "a *lot* of loss", Jeremy? Too many knowledgeable
Topbanders have used it over the years --with great success-- for it to
have enough loss to matter.

Extra loss can even improve the F/B ratio! One famous Topbander (Earl
Cunningham, K6SE; SK) replaced his galvanized steel electric fence wire
with Copperweld. He soon took the Copperweld back down and replaced it with
the plated steel wire, because of that property. You can read all about
that here in the searchable Topband Archives.

I use that electric fence wire (probably cadmium plated) myself on my 580'
reversible Beverages. I don't  need a preamp to bring up the noise floor,
and I doubt that is any different with the WD-1A.

I live in southwest Missouri, and there can be a lot of QRM and RFI from
the east coast on my NE-SW Beverage. Reverse it, though, and all that
disappears so we can copy VKs and ZLs to the SW. I'm convinced the extra
loss helps.

73, Mike
W0BTU

On Sun, Jan 12, 2020, 5:51 PM Jeremy Maris  wrote:

> *Don’t*  use the two conductors of a single run of  twisted pair WD-1A as
> the transmission line - you’ll get a *lot* of loss in the transmission
> line. Instead  parallel the two wires and run two lengths WD-1A (as Jim
> Garland says).
> 2 inches / 50mm spacing between them will give a line impedance of around
> 450 ohms, and much less loss.
>
> Jeremy G3XDK / G4AQG
>
>
> > On 12 Jan 2020, at 23:24, Herbert Schoenbohm <
> herbert.schoenb...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > Probably the most durable two conductor is Military WD-1A telephone
> cable.
> > available on eBay for $50 for about a half-mile.  Special lower
> > impedance transformers are required to match the line's impedance.  It is
> > also a great source for very durable single wire Beverages with both ends
> > connected together.
> >
> > Herb, KV4FZ
>
>
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: New Modes, Systems, etc

[kolson]

It's easy to appreciate why many people - who are passionate about the hobby
- get upset about some of the things they see as being very negative to the
hobby.

 Here in Britain there were LOTS of well-respected Amateurs who were actively
involved in Jamming the VHF Repeaters when they first came on the air in the
1970s.

However "well respected" they were, shouldn't they have been reported to the 
authorities rather than "appreciated"? Should we appreciate hams who jam 
dxpeditions, contesters, traffic nets or ragchewers?

Just curious...

73 Kevin K3OX
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Source for durable ladder line?

[Jeremy Maris]

*Don’t*  use the two conductors of a single run of  twisted pair WD-1A as the 
transmission line - you’ll get a *lot* of loss in the transmission line. 
Instead  parallel the two wires and run two lengths WD-1A (as Jim Garland says).
2 inches / 50mm spacing between them will give a line impedance of around 450 
ohms, and much less loss.

Jeremy G3XDK / G4AQG





> On 12 Jan 2020, at 23:24, Herbert Schoenbohm  
> wrote:
> 
> Probably the most durable two conductor is Military WD-1A telephone cable.
> available on eBay for $50 for about a half-mile.  Special lower
> impedance transformers are required to match the line's impedance.  It is
> also a great source for very durable single wire Beverages with both ends
> connected together.
> 
> Herb, KV4FZ
> 
> On Sun, Jan 12, 2020 at 11:26 AM John Kaufmann via Topband <
> topband@contesting.com> wrote:
> 
>> I'm looking for a source for durable ladder line for making two-wire
>> reversible Beverages for use at the KC1XX contest station.  In the past
>> we've used the line sold by DX Engineering but over the years we've found
>> that the plastic spacers between the wires become brittle and break off.
>> It
>> may be UV exposure that causes this.  We also get some pretty severe
>> weather
>> at KC1XX hilltop location, with ice in the winter and frequent strong
>> winds.
>> The spacer breakage sometimes exposes the wires, which then become twisted,
>> and the ladder line generally becomes weakened and prone to wire breakage.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> What else is available commercially?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 73, John W1FV
>> 
>> _
>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
>> Reflector
>> 
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Jeremy Maris
140 Edward Street, Brighton BN2 0JL
jer...@maris.plus.com





_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Musings on multiple 160m QSOs

[W7RH]

Regarding multiple QSO's I too am guilty. I will say that the contacts 
are short and have signal report. This is not to say I am not respectful 
of the new guys trying to work a new one. Furthermore, I spot DX 
frequently and post links to audio files collected on the reflector 
because I can hear better than I get out.


I do not live under the auroral ring and working Europe, Africa and 
Middle East happens but not all that often. Most of the time stations 
are very weak. FYI a Middle East open will last only a few minutes on 
the west coast.


Bob, W7RH

--
W7RH DM35os

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our 
humanity." - Albert Einstein

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Source for durable ladder line?

[Herbert Schoenbohm]

Probably the most durable two conductor is Military WD-1A telephone cable.
available on eBay for $50 for about a half-mile.  Special lower
impedance transformers are required to match the line's impedance.  It is
also a great source for very durable single wire Beverages with both ends
connected together.

Herb, KV4FZ

On Sun, Jan 12, 2020 at 11:26 AM John Kaufmann via Topband <
topband@contesting.com> wrote:

> I'm looking for a source for durable ladder line for making two-wire
> reversible Beverages for use at the KC1XX contest station.  In the past
> we've used the line sold by DX Engineering but over the years we've found
> that the plastic spacers between the wires become brittle and break off.
> It
> may be UV exposure that causes this.  We also get some pretty severe
> weather
> at KC1XX hilltop location, with ice in the winter and frequent strong
> winds.
> The spacer breakage sometimes exposes the wires, which then become twisted,
> and the ladder line generally becomes weakened and prone to wire breakage.
>
>
>
> What else is available commercially?
>
>
>
> 73, John W1FV
>
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
>
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Source for durable ladder line?

[Bill Gillenwater]

I make my own. Using the WD military wire, black zip ties, and tube 
insulators from Tractor Supply. It is pretty indestructible stuff. Also 
looks decent.

73 Bill K3SV


--
From: "Marty Ray" 
Sent: Sunday, January 12, 2020 5:13 PM
To: "TopBand List" 
Subject: Topband: Source for durable ladder line?


I make my own ladder line:

http://www.dtsohio.com/73cnc/laddersnap.html 



Marty N9SE
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband 
Reflector


--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
https://www.avg.com


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Source for durable ladder line?

[Marty Ray]

I make my own ladder line:

http://www.dtsohio.com/73cnc/laddersnap.html 


Marty N9SE
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Source for durable ladder line?

[MU 4CX250B]

Interesting. The parallel lengths of wd1a on my beverages are spaced
about four inches apart. I use the same DXE matching xformers I used
with my DXE ladderline.
73,
Jim w8zr

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 12, 2020, at 2:27 PM, Mike Waters  wrote:
>
> The late Milt Jensen, N5IA successfully used that wire. It takes custom
> matching transformers (which I made for him*), but he told me that those
> Beverages worked just as well as his other, wide-spaced Beverages.
>
> AFAIK, his club still has those Beverages up.
>
> *I no longer sell them.
>
> 73, Mike
> W0BTU
>
>> On Sun, Jan 12, 2020, 2:55 PM MU 4CX250B <4cx2...@miamioh.edu> wrote:
>>
>> John, I had exactly the same experience as you with the DXE 450 ohm
>> ladderline. After two frustrating years of repairs, I finally switched
>> it for WD-1/TT mil surplus field telephone wire. I now have four
>> lengths of 720 ft each for my beverage antennas, which have been in
>> the field for four years, with zero maintenance issues.
>>
>> On my beverages, the WD-1 is tied to a 4x4 post at each end, and
>> routed loosely through holes in ceramic insulators spaced every 60
>> feet or so. The wire is indestructible, comes as a twisted pair in
>> half-mile spools, and costs about $50 for an unused spool. I tie the
>> twisted pair wires together to make a single conductor. It’s extremely
>> strong, impervious to the elements, including the high winds and
>> intense UV sunlight, here in NM at 7000 ft elevation.
>> 73,
>> Jim w8zr
>>
>>
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Source for durable ladder line?

[Mike Waters]

The late Milt Jensen, N5IA successfully used that wire. It takes custom
matching transformers (which I made for him*), but he told me that those
Beverages worked just as well as his other, wide-spaced Beverages.

AFAIK, his club still has those Beverages up.

*I no longer sell them.

73, Mike
W0BTU

On Sun, Jan 12, 2020, 2:55 PM MU 4CX250B <4cx2...@miamioh.edu> wrote:

> John, I had exactly the same experience as you with the DXE 450 ohm
> ladderline. After two frustrating years of repairs, I finally switched
> it for WD-1/TT mil surplus field telephone wire. I now have four
> lengths of 720 ft each for my beverage antennas, which have been in
> the field for four years, with zero maintenance issues.
>
> On my beverages, the WD-1 is tied to a 4x4 post at each end, and
> routed loosely through holes in ceramic insulators spaced every 60
> feet or so. The wire is indestructible, comes as a twisted pair in
> half-mile spools, and costs about $50 for an unused spool. I tie the
> twisted pair wires together to make a single conductor. It’s extremely
> strong, impervious to the elements, including the high winds and
> intense UV sunlight, here in NM at 7000 ft elevation.
> 73,
> Jim w8zr
>
>
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: 7X7X LotW & Story

[Ashraf Chaabane]

Hi all,

7X7X log is now uploaded to LotW!

A put the DXPedition story in my website at www.kf5eyy.info

Thanks for the QSOs! Thanks to NCDXF, LSDXA, MDXC and the individual 
hams who supported.


73 Ash KF5EYY
3V8SF 3V8SS
www.kf5eyy.info
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Fw: Is there Any YB land station (W6JK)

[Han Higasa]

Jan 13 2020 I have heard these YB stations on 1840 FT8.

195115 -21  0.4 1941 ~ CQ YB4CHP OI18  °Indonesia
202630 -14  0.3 1496 ~ BA1GG YB0COU -09•Indonesia
203300 -14  0.1 2162 ~ CQ 908 YB1PAG OI33  °Indonesia
204700 -20  0.1  499 ~ CQ YC2WXV OI52  °Indonesia

GL and FB DX de Han JE1BMJ
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Source for durable ladder line?

[MU 4CX250B]

John, I had exactly the same experience as you with the DXE 450 ohm
ladderline. After two frustrating years of repairs, I finally switched
it for WD-1/TT mil surplus field telephone wire. I now have four
lengths of 720 ft each for my beverage antennas, which have been in
the field for four years, with zero maintenance issues.

On my beverages, the WD-1 is tied to a 4x4 post at each end, and
routed loosely through holes in ceramic insulators spaced every 60
feet or so. The wire is indestructible, comes as a twisted pair in
half-mile spools, and costs about $50 for an unused spool. I tie the
twisted pair wires together to make a single conductor. It’s extremely
strong, impervious to the elements, including the high winds and
intense UV sunlight, here in NM at 7000 ft elevation.
73,
Jim w8zr

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 12, 2020, at 8:26 AM, John Kaufmann via Topband 
>  wrote:
>
> I'm looking for a source for durable ladder line for making two-wire
> reversible Beverages for use at the KC1XX contest station.  In the past
> we've used the line sold by DX Engineering but over the years we've found
> that the plastic spacers between the wires become brittle and break off.  It
> may be UV exposure that causes this.  We also get some pretty severe weather
> at KC1XX hilltop location, with ice in the winter and frequent strong winds.
> The spacer breakage sometimes exposes the wires, which then become twisted,
> and the ladder line generally becomes weakened and prone to wire breakage.
>
>
>
> What else is available commercially?
>
>
>
> 73, John W1FV
>
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Receive chokes

[tony.kaz--- via Topband]

I have  a pair of Pennants and a couple BOGS. The Pennants I dual feed. At
each end I have a small box with a terminating resistor, relay and BN-73-202
binocular core transformer. I feed 12V through the RG6 which is all
underground to select which direction. Without 12V the relay is not
energized the terminating resistor is switched in. With 12V on the coax the
relay switches in and the transformer is hooked up. Been doing it for years
and it seems to work okay.
I got some #75A/5975001401 cores. Going to double them up and use individual
molded pairs of CAT5 I have as per K9YC for chokes.
I plan on mounting the chokes in 4x4 water tight boxes and place on the
ground or low on nearby trees where the RG6 comes up out of the ground.
Should I attach the shield of the RG6 at the box to a ground rod or let it
float? If I should add a ground rod should I put it on the antenna side or
the shack side of the box?
For the BOGs I just use a binocular core matching transformer at the
feedpoint and a series cap since there is 12V on the coax. I have a ground
rod at the feedpoint and at the termination. I plan on just using a very
short piece of RG6 between the matching transformer and the choke since
there is already a ground rod close by.
Comments and recommendations welcome.
73,
N2TK, Tony

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Source for durable ladder line?

[Kees Nijdam]

For more then 10 years I use 170 meter long runs of 300 Ohm from  
www.dx-wire.de.
Very small size and very strong. 

Pe5t

Verzonden vanuit Mail voor Windows 10

Van: John Kaufmann via Topband
Verzonden: zondag 12 januari 2020 16:27
Aan: 'topband'
Onderwerp: Topband: Source for durable ladder line?

I'm looking for a source for durable ladder line for making two-wire
reversible Beverages for use at the KC1XX contest station.  In the past
we've used the line sold by DX Engineering but over the years we've found
that the plastic spacers between the wires become brittle and break off.  It
may be UV exposure that causes this.  We also get some pretty severe weather
at KC1XX hilltop location, with ice in the winter and frequent strong winds.
The spacer breakage sometimes exposes the wires, which then become twisted,
and the ladder line generally becomes weakened and prone to wire breakage.

 

What else is available commercially?

 

73, John W1FV

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Source for durable ladder line?

[Mike Waters]

I don't think you are going to find any, John. I had to make my own. Is
that something you are willing to do? There are several options for that;
most using wider spacing which requires custom matching transformers at
each end.

73, Mike
W0BTU

On Sun, Jan 12, 2020, 9:27 AM John Kaufmann via Topband <
topband@contesting.com> wrote:

> I'm looking for a source for durable ladder line for making two-wire
> reversible Beverages for use at the KC1XX contest station.  ...
>
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Source for durable ladder line?

[Wes]

Other than measuring some of the stuff years ago I have no real experience with 
it, but you might look here: 
https://thewireman.com/product-category/feed-lines/ladder-line/


Wes  N7WS

On 1/12/2020 8:26 AM, John Kaufmann via Topband wrote:

I'm looking for a source for durable ladder line for making two-wire
reversible Beverages for use at the KC1XX contest station.  In the past
we've used the line sold by DX Engineering but over the years we've found
that the plastic spacers between the wires become brittle and break off.  It
may be UV exposure that causes this.  We also get some pretty severe weather
at KC1XX hilltop location, with ice in the winter and frequent strong winds.
The spacer breakage sometimes exposes the wires, which then become twisted,
and the ladder line generally becomes weakened and prone to wire breakage.

  


What else is available commercially?

  


73, John W1FV

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector



_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Source for durable ladder line?

[John Kaufmann via Topband]

I'm looking for a source for durable ladder line for making two-wire
reversible Beverages for use at the KC1XX contest station.  In the past
we've used the line sold by DX Engineering but over the years we've found
that the plastic spacers between the wires become brittle and break off.  It
may be UV exposure that causes this.  We also get some pretty severe weather
at KC1XX hilltop location, with ice in the winter and frequent strong winds.
The spacer breakage sometimes exposes the wires, which then become twisted,
and the ladder line generally becomes weakened and prone to wire breakage.

 

What else is available commercially?

 

73, John W1FV

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector