Subject: Elmer Qustion: Antenna feedline
From: Tom Mc (redmen1969@optonline.net)
Date: Sat Feb 28 2004 - 11:06:05 EST
Hi gang, I have an antenna question which is of an Elmer nature as I'm sure its pretty basic. I appreciate any help you may be able to provide. It's almost March so I'm thinking that a spring project - once the weather warms up - for me will be to replace my antenna feedline. I am using a 40 meter Windom antenna and am feeding it with RG-8. This feedline is several years old and my question is how can I tell if it needs replacement? Here are some facts, to help you understand my specific situation: 1) I can easily access the antenna end of the feedline, it is connected to the Windom by a UHF connector which I can unscrew. 2) I have some test equipment including a DMM and a generic version (I think "Vectronics") of the MFJ antenna analyzer. 3) I'm not sure what I am looking for, other than a direct short or an open line. 4) I really have no reason to think that the RG-8 is bad, but every time the bands are dead I scratch my head and look at the antenna to see if its still there. 5) I realize that RG-8 probably wasn't the best choice, but it is what I have, so if I replace it, I'll get something better, but if it doesn't need replacement I don't want to, naturally. If you'll need any more info, please let me know. Thanks in advance for any help you might provide. Tom McCulloch WB2QDG If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name in a Swiss bank. -Woody Allen
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