Why Cantex ?

Why Cantex ?

Their material is UV-stabilized for weathering strength in the changing climate of Northern Ohio. It also machines and drills consistently. The dielectric constant is the same from piece to piece, and the Cantex compound resists chalking. I've filled a dumpster with look-alike parts that failed to survive the coiling process at some point.

See http://www.cantexinc.com for specifications.

The information presented here is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. All recommendations and statements are made without guarantee on the part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information.

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Half of the dipole is complete: 53.5" of wind with .062" (1/16") wire. Approximately 742 feet. Measured DC resistance is 58 ohms.

Monday, June 4, 2018

The head stock and drive motor are lined up and ready for winding. That 14" section from the first slide adds the extra length for winding at the tube base. Now we need the rubber hammer for end-to-end alignment.
Both ends of the 10' tube section are marked every 60реж. These indicate the centers for Dynaflex 230 adhesive strips (6) which will secure the wire windings on the tube. It's available at The Home Depot. Although sold as a window sealant, the all-weather characteristics of the '230 make it ideal for this application. See the manufacturer's web site for usages and safety data; http://www.dap.com/dap-products-ph/dynaflex-230-premium-indooroutdoor-sealant/
Use 3/4 to 1 inch spacing for the sealant strip width. Blue painter's tape is used to set the space. Use your fingers cover the gap with a very thin coating of sealant. Disposable latex gloves come in handy for this job. 
Allow the goop to set up for at least 4 hours before removing the tape. These strips will secure the wire in position by forming small landing pads that stay flexible for a long time. And it's inexpensive.

The new 6" flange is mounted to the original sheave. The 14" tube section on the right will serve as the connector between the head stock and the coil form. It's cut from a junk piece of schedule 80
tube. Normally it would be glued to the flange socket, but not in the case of 6" tubing. 
Both the socket seat and the end insert are coated with automatic transmission fluid. The ATF compound has tremendous film strength, and keeps the insert from seizing in the socket seat for quick disassembly.  Final alignment of the fixture involves using a rubber hammer, so glue is ruled out.

The blue painter's tape shown here defines the channel for the Dab adhesive. Chalk lines are helpful for siting the tape position but are not necessary. The glue is applied by hand for a thin coating along the entire length of the tube. Wait at least three hours before removing the tape. The wire will find a permanent seat on the sealant immediately as winding proceeds. 
The operator's mobile station is in position. The on/off control line is behind the fixture so as not to be run over by the transport wheels. There is no brake on the motor, so rotation will continue for 2 to
3 seconds after the power is turned off. The control switch can be seen just to the left of the wire spool.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

The Ugly Balun is attached to the dipole. It's wound with RG6/U.