Hi Cecil

Thanks for your help. Looks like I've got a tiger by the tail. I'm
currently using #26awg fed by 300ohm ladderline to minimize visibility.
Both contribute to pushing the SWR higher across the spectrum. If I'm
not able to get the tuner to match this setup I'll try the 450 ladder
and and 18awg and risk the visibility. Actually I've gotten the antenna
higher than I thought I would be able to and the 18awg would probably
be ok. The ladder line is a bit more difficult to deal with at twice
the width unless I can disguise it or hide it behind a tree trunk. Then
there is still the issue of providing a guard against kids messing with
it.

I'm going to take a multimeter to some white and grey pvc conduit today
to see if I can detect any difference in conductivity as some have
speculated the grey was more conductive. Which ever I chose I'll have
to do some camoflage painting but if the resistance is high and
comparable for both I'll select the smallest diameter which allows the
ladderline to pass through without cramping.

The hardest part of all of this was getting the halyards up and that's
now done. Changing wires isn't a big deal as long as adequate
performance and visibility can be balanced.

tnx
jtm