On Mon, 24 Jul 2006 12:01:02 -0500, Nevermind ) wrote:
Im a new ham setting up a tower in my backyard. Eventually, when I
can afford it, I will buy a rotor and a directional antenna. I
wanted to run the rotor cable while I have the PVC above ground, and
im not sure what kind of cable I would need. Would any 8 conducter
cable work? cat cable? telephone cable size okay? I dont want to get
something too cheap, but im running 300 ft.

Hmmmm... 300 feet!
There'll be voltage drops.

Do you already know the rotator you'll be using? "Would any 8 conducter
cable work?" makes it sound so.

My current rotator use a 5-wire set-up. The one before that was a
6-wire lash-up. What I've always used is loss-leader, 100' 14 ga.
extension cords. You'll see these from time-to-time at a Real Good
price at the chain and/or Big Box hardware stores. Since I've never
needed more than about 70-80 feet, they serve me well. (And, if I cut
Just Right, I can make up some 8-10-12 foot extension cords and/or
replacement cords for power tools.) For the 5-wire configuration, I
parallel the 2 ground ("green") wires of the two cords to serve as the
common return for the motor windings and the position pot.

I don't know where you're located, but eliminating the voltage drop will
be a Big Plus when you want to swing your collectionairy at midnight on
a cold Winter's night. I used to live in Gunnison, Colorado and getting
that sucker to wave around at 20-25 below zero after the sun went down
was always dicey.

HTH
Jonesy
--
Marvin L Jones | jonz | W3DHJ | linux
38.24N 104.55W | @ config.com | Jonesy | OS/2
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