Guying Questions

[shadow]

What is the best kind of wire to use for guying an antenna mast? I've got to choose between galvanized, stainless steel, and vinyl coated but i'm not sure which one would survive longer. Also, I'm looking to break up the guy wires with some ceramic egg insulators but i'm not sure how far down the wire I should make the break. Anyone have some experience they would like to share?

thanks!

['Doc]

I would suggest using EHS guy wire (Extra High Strength), which is designed for that purpose. It isn't cheap, and it's a bit difficult to work with, but it's stronger than any other wire you will find used for guying. That really does mean something. If you're gonna do it, do it right.
As far as breaking up a guy with insulators, the idea is to make non-resonant lengths at whatever frequency you will be using. That typically means -less- than a 1/4 wave length, or a multiple of that 'odd' length. If that length could possibly be used as an antenna, it's the wrong length. For 27 Mhz, something like 6 - 7 feet, or, 10 - 12 feet will usually work okay. It shouldn't be close to about 8 - 9 feet, or a multiple of it. Is it complicated enough for you yet?? Try the same thing when those guys are holding up a multiband antenna support. Then it can get REALLY complicated!
- 'Doc

[shadow]

Thanks for the perfect answer Doc, exactly what I was looking for.

Try the same thing when those guys are holding up a multiband antenna support. Then it can get REALLY complicated!
- 'Doc

I cringed when I read this...

[linx]

I used 3/8" stainless steel for my tower. I didn't go with the galvanized b/c it rusts, and the coated wire will just rust in the coating. As far as insulators, it's my belief that if you put the guy wires down 15+ ft down or more from the antenna then they will have no issue. I've never had an issue with my guy wires being resonate or anything. I used a cut piece of garden hose to wrap around each leg of my tower, so there is no metal-to-metal contact with my guys and the tower. I did put a big ceramic insulator on 1 of my guy wires, but that particular wire is attached to my front porch and I was trying to evade lightning in the event of a strike.