Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Homebrew insulators
NoSPAM wrote:
"JIMMIE" wrote in message ... I came across an old single LPDA TV antenna in the trask. It was pretty much FUBAR except for a coupe of feet of boom matrial and a few insulators. My XYL is into making models and castings and she can make a mold of the insulators easy enough. I was wondering if anyone knew of a good casting material that would be compatable with the requirements to build a single boom LPDA antenna to form the insulators. She is not usually concerned with strength or UV resistance so she couldnt help much on this part. Epoxy and polyester resins come to mind. If you are rebuilding the TV antenna and not adding significant weight, these should work well. Use the low viscosity resins sold in quarts, and not epoxy glues. For added strength, consider adding chopped fiberglass strands. For reduced weight, glass microballoons may be added to the resins. They are extremely light with a specific gravity of 0.18 to 0.25 depending on the manufacturer. Phenolic microballoons are also available. For ultraviolet protection, a small amount of titanium dioxide may be added (1 to 5%), but the microballoons will do a fair job alone. Painting the finished insulators with acrylic paint (Krylon®) will also provide good UV resistance. Many marine supply stores carry these resins, the chopped fiberglass, and the microballoons. Be extra careful with the polyester catalyst (typically methyl-ethyl-ketone peroxide) as it is extremely damaging to the eyes. Good luck with your project. 73, Dr. Barry L. Ornitz WA4VZQ [transpose the digits to reply] Where do you buy the titanium dioxide? 73, Tom Donaly, KA6RUH |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Homebrew insulators [titanium dioxide pigment]
"Tom Donaly" wrote in message
... NoSPAM wrote: For ultraviolet protection, a small amount of titanium dioxide may be added (1 to 5%), but the microballoons will do a fair job alone. Painting the finished insulators with acrylic paint (Krylon®) will also provide good UV resistance. Where do you buy the titanium dioxide? 73, Tom Donaly, KA6RUH I was sent 10 pounds from a friend at DuPont, one of the larger manufacturers of titanium dioxide. For small quantities, I would suggest contacting a local paint manufacturer, or artist supply store. The pigment is used in many ultra-bright white formulations. Note that titanium dioxide has a high dielectric constant between 85 and 110 depending on the ratio of rutile to anatase. So to minimize detuning effects of the insulators, use them only at low impedance points of the antenna. 73, Dr. Barry L. Ornitz WA4VZQ [transpose the digits to reply] |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Homebrew insulators
On Sun, 25 Jan 2009 18:31:31 -0800, "Tom Donaly"
wrote: NoSPAM wrote: "JIMMIE" wrote in message ... I came across an old single LPDA TV antenna in the trask. It was pretty much FUBAR except for a coupe of feet of boom matrial and a few insulators. My XYL is into making models and castings and she can make a mold of the insulators easy enough. I was wondering if anyone knew of a good casting material that would be compatable with the requirements to build a single boom LPDA antenna to form the insulators. She is not usually concerned with strength or UV resistance so she couldnt help much on this part. Epoxy and polyester resins come to mind. If you are rebuilding the TV antenna and not adding significant weight, these should work well. Use the low viscosity resins sold in quarts, and not epoxy glues. For added strength, consider adding chopped fiberglass strands. For reduced weight, glass microballoons may be added to the resins. They are extremely light with a specific gravity of 0.18 to 0.25 depending on the manufacturer. Phenolic microballoons are also available. For ultraviolet protection, a small amount of titanium dioxide may be added (1 to 5%), but the microballoons will do a fair job alone. Painting the finished insulators with acrylic paint (Krylon®) will also provide good UV resistance. Many marine supply stores carry these resins, the chopped fiberglass, and the microballoons. Be extra careful with the polyester catalyst (typically methyl-ethyl-ketone peroxide) as it is extremely damaging to the eyes. Good luck with your project. 73, Dr. Barry L. Ornitz WA4VZQ [transpose the digits to reply] Where do you buy the titanium dioxide? 73, Tom Donaly, KA6RUH I use http://www.acp-composites.com/ACP-CAT.HTM John Ferrell W8CCW |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Homebrew Web Site, New Homebrew PODCAST | Boatanchors | |||
Homebrew Web Site, New Homebrew PODCAST | Homebrew | |||
FS Insulators | Swap | |||
Egg insulators | Antenna | |||
Guy Insulators?? | Antenna |