Thread: PVC pipe for spreaders
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Old March 7th 07, 10:09 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna
Paul E. Cater Paul E. Cater is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Feb 2007
Posts: 18
Default PVC pipe for spreaders
wrote:
I am contemplating making a remotely tuned "X" beam for 40m using
copper weld wire supported on a PVC pipe framework. I need each arm of
the horizontally oriented "X" support framework to be 18ft long. I am
considering telescoping 10ft of 3/4 inch PVC, 2 ft into a 10 ft piece
of 1 inch PVC pipe. When I temporarily do this at the hardware store,
I get a very heavy, very wobbly spreader. I expect I will guy these
spreaders (both vertically and horizontally) with Dacron rope at the
half way point and let the copper weld wire provide the guying for the
spreader tips.

My concern is the flexibility and weight of the PVC. Too flexible is
the concern. I can imagine the spreaders developing wind resonance and
starting a hula dance in the wind. This could become destructive for
the wire and rope.

What are your insights on this idea?

P.S..I don't want to get into the UV degradation issue please.

- Jeff

http://www.mgs4u.com/fiberglass-cubi...-spreaders.htm
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