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Old September 7th 09, 08:10 AM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna
Jeff Liebermann[_2_] Jeff Liebermann[_2_] is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,336
Default Burying Coax Feedlines & Control Cables

On Sun, 6 Sep 2009 22:33:52 -0700, "Sal M. Onella"
wrote:

To the OP: A sweep elbow is that "large radius" section. Sweep elbows are
available in various large radii, like 36", and will treat your Heliax or
other cable bends kindly. The plumbing trades use them, too.


I've often thought I would try a 45 degree elbow, and then a straight
section of pipe coming out of the ground at an angle. That makes it
much easier to pull but does look a bit odd. It also has the
advantage that I might be able to use some manner of power assist to
pull the cables through the conduit. Pulling on a 90 degree elbow is
a sure way of breaking it. 45 degrees can be handled with a pully or
careful positioning of the winch. Disclaimer: I've never done this so
beware of surprises.

RELATED: With my dish install, I picked too-small PVC and couldn't pull the
whole length. I had to cut the PVC into sections, pull the conduit through
each section (and through new couplings) and then glue the sections back
together. My mistake wasted half a day. Check your "pull-ability" before
gluing your parts into a unit.


One tower owner had a 90 degree elbow projecting out of the ground
near the outside of the concrete tower pad. He tried to pull the
entire cable bundle through at one time with a winch hooked to a pully
on the tower from above. Instead, he pulled the 90 degree elbow and
about 10ft of pipe out of the ground. I didn't see it happen but was
involved in the subsequent cleanup job.

Moral: Don't let the cable bundle get twisted as it enters the
conduit or it will develop a "lump" and jam.

Tower drivel:
http://www.agl-mag.com
It's totally for commerical tower owners, doesn't have anything on
construction, is stuffed with tower politics, but does make
interesting reading. Full issues are downloadable.
http://www.qmags.com/magazines/PubHomePage.asp?publication=89


--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D
http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558