On Jul 20, 9:48 am, wrote:
Hi folks:

I've got a 110' 80 meter dipole that I've used for the past 4
years. I have the dipole strung about 30' in the air and connected
between two trees.

Because of where the trees are and the location of my house, I've
needed to use a pulley that's attached to my chimney to keep the
dipole closer to my house. The pulley is located near the center of
the antenna, and it creates about a 25 degree angle from the chimney
to the other tree.

Each year I have to repair the antenna wire right around where the
pulley is. I'm guessing because I use a cheap antenna wire
(purchased at Radio Shack ... about 14 gauge I believe), that's why my
antenna keeps breaking. I don't see how the pulley's creating that
much wear on the antenna, although I'm sure it's possible.

Would you guess that I'd have better luck if I was to purchase a
stronger antenna wire, such as a copper-clad steel wire I can get at
Universal Radio? http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/cable/wire.html

Thanks for your suggestions.

Clark
KB9SJD

Hi.
Closely examine the break. You can tell if it was caused by wear,
flexing, or from chemical reaction with what is coming from the
chimney you mentioned. What are you heating with? Gas and oil heat
both create a small amount of sulfur containing acids going out the
chimney.

Also, are you using a pulley with a plastic wheel? A metal wheel, I
forget the real name for it, will wear the wire.

Good luck,
Paul KD7HB