Homebrew insulators
 

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.

Jimmie

Homebrew insulators
 

"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]

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

Homebrew insulators
 

On Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:15:08 -0800 (PST), JIMMIE
wrote:

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.

Nice idea, but all of my custom VHF yagi antenna insulators were
machined from black Delrin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetal_resin
or the cheaper Nylon 66. However, they were all mobile transmitter
hunting antennas where UV protection and environmental survivability
were not an issue. They only had to be more rugged than most yagis so
that when the antenna plowed into an overhanging tree branch or road
sign, the branch or sign would break, not the antenna. Delrin should
be quite good, but rather expensive. Nylon sucks as it absorbs
moisture and falls apart in the sun. I used these simply because I
have a fairly good supply of both.

I've never tried to mold an insulator, but I can speculate on how it
might be done. In my wasted youth, I repaired my surfboard with
various toxic and noxious epoxies that I suspect are suitable. You
can purchase fiberglass matting and epoxy mix at any marine supply or
surf shop. Instructions are on the can or the internet. Machine a
suitable positive insulator, make a negative mold out of plaster, cram
it with epoxy saturated fiberglass stiffener, and pour in the
remaining epoxy mix (or something like that). If ambitious, throw in
some additional reinforcing such as rusty nails, barbed wire, scrap
metal, or broken glass rod. As long as they protrude the surface, the
presence of metal should not have much of an electrical effect. If
you want to practice without the mess, try using Bondo or other
automotive dent filler. It will be substantially more brittle but is
much easier on the nose and eyes.

You mention that your wife is into "casting". I'll assume that
doesn't mean fly casting as in fishing. However, there are a wide
variety of other forms of casting including operating a small foundry.
I've done this at home, amazingly without burning down the house:
http://www.backyardmetalcasting.com
I've made some unobtainable auto parts this way. Somehow, I don't
visualize your wife doing all this, but it's possible. There's also
sand casting, investment casting, plaster casting, lost wax casting,
and so on. What manner of casting does she do?


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

Homebrew insulators
 

JIMMIE wrote:
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.

Jimmie

I think before I went through that hassle I would just buy some solid
fiberglass rod and make them out of that.

www.mgs4u.com as one example sells 8 foot lengths of half inch rod
for $6.00.


--
Jim Pennino

Remove .spam.sux to reply.

Homebrew insulators
 

Jimmie,
Another 2 cents worth - you could try something like "Bondo" which is
resin-based body filler. - Pick it up at Auto-Zone or other Auto parts
place. But well-coated wooden blocks may work ok as well. I would try to
find a way to use a PVC fitting to save money.
Hal W4PMJ

"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.

Jimmie

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]

Homebrew insulators
 

"Hal Rosser" wrote in message
...
Jimmie,
Another 2 cents worth - you could try something like "Bondo" which is
resin-based body filler. - Pick it up at Auto-Zone or other Auto parts
place. But well-coated wooden blocks may work ok as well. I would try to
find a way to use a PVC fitting to save money.
Hal W4PMJ


While Bondo is based on an unsaturated polyester resin, it uses lots of
styrene and filler materials. Both destroy the inherent strength of the
polymerized polyester. Stick with a high quality boating resins and use
fiberglass for strength.

73, Dr. Barry L. Ornitz WA4VZQ
BLOrnitz84@charter/net [transpose the digits to reply]

Homebrew insulators
 

On Jan 25, 10:08*pm, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:15:08 -0800 (PST), JIMMIE

wrote:
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.

Nice idea, but all of my custom VHF yagi antenna insulators were
machined from black Delrin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetal_resin
or the cheaper Nylon 66. *However, they were all mobile transmitter
hunting antennas where UV protection and environmental survivability
were not an issue. *They only had to be more rugged than most yagis so
that when the antenna plowed into an overhanging tree branch or road
sign, the branch or sign would break, not the antenna. *Delrin should
be quite good, but rather expensive. *Nylon sucks as it absorbs
moisture and falls apart in the sun. *I used these simply because I
have a fairly good supply of both.

I've never tried to mold an insulator, but I can speculate on how it
might be done. *In my wasted youth, I repaired my surfboard with
various toxic and noxious epoxies that I suspect are suitable. *You
can purchase fiberglass matting and epoxy mix at any marine supply or
surf shop. *Instructions are on the can or the internet. *Machine a
suitable positive insulator, make a negative mold out of plaster, cram
it with epoxy saturated fiberglass stiffener, and pour in the
remaining epoxy mix (or something like that). *If ambitious, throw in
some additional reinforcing such as rusty nails, barbed wire, scrap
metal, or broken glass rod. *As long as they protrude the surface, the
presence of metal should not have much of an electrical effect. *If
you want to practice without the mess, try using Bondo or other
automotive dent filler. *It will be substantially more brittle but is
much easier on the nose and eyes.

You mention that your wife is into "casting". *I'll assume that
doesn't mean fly casting as in fishing. *However, there are a wide
variety of other forms of casting including operating a small foundry.
I've done this at home, amazingly without burning down the house:
http://www.backyardmetalcasting.com
I've made some unobtainable auto parts this way. *Somehow, I don't
visualize your wife doing all this, but it's possible. *There's also
sand casting, investment casting, plaster casting, lost wax casting,
and so on. *What manner of casting does she do?

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

Resins and plaster. Its something she learned to do in college and
once in a while she will make some dust collectors to give as gifts or
showsomeone else how to do it.

I always wanted tp try may hand at casing Al. Maybe one day when I
move out in the boonies I will get a chance. My father in law did it
but I think he got rid of all his equipment before he died.Hemade
mostly ornamental stuff and did a few demonstrations.

I think I will giveethe bondo a try. I have nearly a quart left over
from fixing a ding on the truck. I think it has some fibergass already
mixed in.

Jimmie

Homebrew insulators
 

On Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:29:58 -0800 (PST), JIMMIE
wrote:

I think I will giveethe bondo a try. I have nearly a quart left over
from fixing a ding on the truck. I think it has some fibergass already
mixed in.

I mentioned Bondo only so that you could practice before switching to
epoxy resin and fiberglass reinforcing. Bondo is brittle and will
crack.

However, the polyester resin she is currently using might work with
the addition of some stiffener. Get some fiberglass matting and try
using her resin to mold an insulator. The stuff is not really
suitable for electrical or outdoor use, but might be worth testing
since you have some. Remember, the strength is in the fiberglass
matting or rod stiffeners, not in the resin.
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=75

If it doesn't work, at least you'll have the most colorful antenna
insulators in the neighborhood. Maybe imbed some LED's or neon lamps
for a Christmas tree effect.



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

Homebrew insulators
 

On Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:46:28 -0500, "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.

I've never seen any white antenna insulators (except porcelain). Most
of the plastic antenna insulators I've seen are either black or
sometimes blue. I presume the filler and coloring used are something
something other than titanium white. Yet, everything made from marine
fiberglass is bright white, presumably doped with titanium white for
UV protection.

Is there any benefit to the white color over something like black
graphite stiffener and fill, which also offer UV protection? Duz the
color make any difference in preventing polymer chain breakage?

Drivel: I've noticed that the white PCV electrical tape I sometimes
use to wrap coax and connectors seems to last longer than the same
tape in black.



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

Homebrew insulators
 

Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:46:28 -0500, "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.

I've never seen any white antenna insulators (except porcelain). Most
of the plastic antenna insulators I've seen are either black or
sometimes blue. I presume the filler and coloring used are something
something other than titanium white. Yet, everything made from marine
fiberglass is bright white, presumably doped with titanium white for
UV protection.

Is there any benefit to the white color over something like black
graphite stiffener and fill, which also offer UV protection? Duz the
color make any difference in preventing polymer chain breakage?

Drivel: I've noticed that the white PCV electrical tape I sometimes
use to wrap coax and connectors seems to last longer than the same
tape in black.

This is an interesting question. I have UV resistant rope that is black,
as well as UV resistant Ty-Wraps - also black in color. Wonder what the
deal is here?

- 73 de Mike N3LI -

Homebrew insulators
 

On Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:46:28 -0500, "NoSPAM"
backed into a tree whilst ridin inna park then 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.

Not to mention your skin does not stop MEK from penetration. It's
porous to MEK.

N9JBF


Good luck with your project.

73, Dr. Barry L. Ornitz WA4VZQ
[transpose the digits to reply]

Homebrew insulators
 

"Jeff Liebermann" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:46:28 -0500, "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.

I've never seen any white antenna insulators (except porcelain). Most
of the plastic antenna insulators I've seen are either black or
sometimes blue. I presume the filler and coloring used are something
something other than titanium white. Yet, everything made from marine
fiberglass is bright white, presumably doped with titanium white for
UV protection.

Titanium dioxide is a very bright white. It reflects the ultraviolet, as
well as visible and near-infrared. I am not familiar with its absorption
spectra in the far infrared. It is extensively used in marine fiberglass
resins, both for decorative and UV protection uses. Zinc oxide is also
white and it is used in sunscreens for the same reason.

The old Hy-Gain center insulators that were blue were likely polybutylene
terephthalate which is naturally UV resistant. The black insulators
contained carbon black, a UV absorber.

Is there any benefit to the white color over something like black
graphite stiffener and fill, which also offer UV protection? Duz the
color make any difference in preventing polymer chain breakage?

Carbon black is added as an absorber of ultraviolet. Graphite nanotubes
and graphite fibers are relatively recent developments. They are added to
produce a composite material which is quite strong and rigid in nature.
Being rather expensive compared to inexpensive carbon black, they are
generally added to plastics only for improved mechanical properties.

Polypropylene, Nylon, and Delrin absorb ultraviolet light and the energy
goes to breaking the polymer chain. Polybutylene and polyethylene
terephthalate absorb ultraviolet energy but fluoresce in the visible and
near infrared giving back the energy at a longer wavelength.
Polynaphthalene terephthalate is such a strong fluorescer in the visible
that it requires quenching additives in many applications such as food
packaging. Polyesters are used in marine ropes for their high strength and
UV resistance.

Drivel: I've noticed that the white PCV electrical tape I sometimes
use to wrap coax and connectors seems to last longer than the same
tape in black.

I would bet that red PVC tape lasts for only a short time in sunlight.
Most organic red pigments are destroyed rather quickly by ultraviolet
light, a real problem for automobile paint. There is a reason for Clear
Coat beyond its looks!

73, Dr. Barry L. Ornitz WA4VZQ
[transpose the digits to reply]

Homebrew insulators
 

"What me worry?" wrote in message
...
Not to mention your skin does not stop MEK from penetration. It's
porous to MEK.


Don't confuse the solvent methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) with the catalyst
methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP or MEK peroxide). MEK does not produce
serious health effects until high concentrations are reached. MEK
peroxide, however, is a severe skin irritant which produces serious health
effects at even low concentrations. The OSHA permissible exposure limit
for MEK peroxide is about 1500 times lower than MEK. But both materials
should be handled with care.

As a side note MEKP is a high explosive related to acetone peroxide which
was used by ill fated terrorists who intended to blow up airplanes. As a
safety measure MEKP is usually supplied diluted in a solvent which
co-polymerizes with polyester resins.

73, Barry WA4VZQ
[transpose the digits to reply]

Homebrew insulators
 

On Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:26:58 -0500, "NoSPAM"
wrote:

Titanium dioxide is a very bright white. It reflects the ultraviolet, as
well as visible and near-infrared.
(...)
Carbon black is added as an absorber of ultraviolet.

So, the difference is that titanium dioxide reflects UV, while various
black pigments absorbs UV. Ok, that makes sense. Thanks.

I would bet that red PVC tape lasts for only a short time in sunlight.
Most organic red pigments are destroyed rather quickly by ultraviolet
light, a real problem for automobile paint. There is a reason for Clear
Coat beyond its looks!

Yep. One of my non-clever neighbors painted their house candy apple
red. Besides being rather garrish, the paint lasted about 2 years
before fading rather badly. They had to sandblast and re-prime in
order to start over with basic beige.

Incidentally, one of my former neighors was a painting contractor. He
painted his house with the left overs from various jobs. None of the
colors matched. Not exactly an eyesore, but close.

I have some red electrical tape. I'll give it a try on the roof and
let you know after summer.

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

Homebrew insulators
 

NoSPAM wrote:
Polyesters are used in marine ropes for their high strength
and UV resistance.


Amateur radio operators are very fond of Dacron as well. I have it
holding up my 44 foot vertical mast.

Homebrew insulators
 

Mike Coslo wrote:
Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:46:28 -0500, "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.

I've never seen any white antenna insulators (except porcelain). Most
of the plastic antenna insulators I've seen are either black or
sometimes blue. I presume the filler and coloring used are something
something other than titanium white. Yet, everything made from marine
fiberglass is bright white, presumably doped with titanium white for
UV protection.
Is there any benefit to the white color over something like black
graphite stiffener and fill, which also offer UV protection? Duz the
color make any difference in preventing polymer chain breakage?

Drivel: I've noticed that the white PCV electrical tape I sometimes
use to wrap coax and connectors seems to last longer than the same
tape in black.

This is an interesting question. I have UV resistant rope that is black,
as well as UV resistant Ty-Wraps - also black in color. Wonder what the
deal is here?

- 73 de Mike N3LI -
Carbon black (and various other things) are also used as UV blockers.
Obviously, carbon black may not be the best thing for an insulator.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. You have to test it.

Homebrew insulators
 

On Jan 25, 1:15*pm, JIMMIE wrote:
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.

Jimmie

I sent my wife some pictures of the insulators and she says they would
have to be made in a 2 part mold and she cant do that. RATS. Ialso
found that within a mile of my apartment is a wholesale dealer that
sells a huge variety of casting materials. The info they gave me is
that someting like this would probably have to be injection molded
from melted plastic or machined from billets.

After rethinking a little if each half of an element was connected to
each other with a fiberglass rod the torsion forces on the insulator
would be reduced to zero and it would not have to be that strong.

Jimmie

Jimmie

Homebrew insulators
 

On Jan 27, 3:13*am, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:26:58 -0500, "NoSPAM"
wrote:



Titanium dioxide is a very bright white. *It reflects the ultraviolet, as
well as visible and near-infrared.
(...)
Carbon black is added as an absorber of ultraviolet.

So, the difference is that titanium dioxide reflects UV, while various
black pigments absorbs UV. *Ok, that makes sense. *Thanks.

I would bet that red PVC tape lasts for only a short time in sunlight.
Most organic red pigments are destroyed rather quickly by ultraviolet
light, a real problem for automobile paint. *There is a reason for Clear
Coat beyond its looks!

Yep. *One of my non-clever neighbors painted their house candy apple
red. *Besides being rather garrish, the paint lasted about 2 years
before fading rather badly. *They had to sandblast and re-prime in
order to start over with basic beige.

Incidentally, one of my former neighors was a painting contractor. *He
painted his house with the left overs from various jobs. *None of the
colors matched. *Not exactly an eyesore, but close.

I have some red electrical tape. *I'll give it a try on the roof and
let you know after summer.

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

I have found that just about any of the colored marking tapes dont
hold up well outdoors.

Homebrew insulators
 

"JIMMIE" wrote in message
...

I have found that just about any of the colored marking tapes dont
hold up well outdoors.

I assume you mean tapes like surveyors use as well as temporary tapes
printed with "Police Line" or "Caution." These are generally made of
polyethylene because it is so inexpensive. Exposed to ultraviolet light,
polyethylene is destroyed quickly.

To add to something "Dave" said, Dacron is DuPont's name for their brand of
poly(ethylene terephthalate) polyester fibers. Other fiber names are
Dacron, Diolen, Fortrel, Kodal, Tergal, Terylene, and Trevira. I have seen
hamfest dealers charging considerably more for Dacron rope just because of
the name. Likewise Mylar is DuPont's name for PET film, but PET films are
also known as Terphane, Hostaphan and Melinex by different manufacturers.

--
73, Dr. Barry L. Ornitz WA4VZQ

[transpose digits to reply]

Homebrew insulators
 

On Jan 27, 7:33*pm, "Dr. Barry L. Ornitz"
wrote:
"JIMMIE" wrote in message

...

I have found that just about any of the colored marking tapes dont
hold up well outdoors.

I assume you mean tapes like surveyors use as well as temporary tapes
printed with "Police Line" or "Caution." *These are generally made of
polyethylene because it is so inexpensive. *Exposed to ultraviolet light,
polyethylene is destroyed quickly.

To add to something "Dave" said, Dacron is DuPont's name for their brand of
poly(ethylene terephthalate) polyester fibers. *Other fiber names are
Dacron, Diolen, Fortrel, Kodal, Tergal, Terylene, and Trevira. *I have seen
hamfest dealers charging considerably more for Dacron rope just because of
the name. *Likewise Mylar is DuPont's name for PET film, but PET films are
also known as Terphane, Hostaphan and Melinex by different manufacturers.

--
73, Dr. Barry L. Ornitz *WA4VZQ

[transpose digits to reply]

Sorry I thought I had quoted Jeff and it was understood I was talking
about PVC electical tape.

Jimmie

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