Two quick tips:
- Parachute cord. A couple of subscribers to the qrp-l.org mailing list suggested the use of surplus parachute cord to suspend wire antennas. Dale, WC7S, says, “they stretch and allow for icing and frosting.” You can get a 1000-ft. spool for $60.
- Cheap electrolytics. While working Harry, K4IBZ, I looked him up on QRZ.Com and read that he often operates a Johnson Adventurer. Having just acquired one—someone donated it to the Ham Radio at the Hands-On Museum Project—I struck up a conversation with him about the transmitter. He told me that he enjoys restoring vintage rigs, and encouraged me to rebuild this one. His coolest bit of advice is that he salvages the electrolytics out of old CRT computer monitors. Great advice!
AD7MI says
In the Army we call parachute cord “550 cord” and it is used for everything! Not only is it great to use outdoors with antennas it is also a must have in your GO kit. I rank the usefulness of 550 cord immediately behind duct tape (which for some reason we call 100 mph tape).
73 Scott AD7MI
Jim says
Hi Dan,
I have a Sony 21 inch CRT you can have if you want to scavenge the parts from it.
73,
Jim K8ELR
Dan KB6NU says
I did a little more digging, and a couple of places sell 550 cord for $45/1000 ft., including http://www.armysurplusworld.com/product.asp?ProductID=24109. One place had a price of only $40, but they were out of stock. This looks like something we should buy for guying our 40-ft. masts on Field Day.
VU2LID says
Another optiion is Kevlar rope with protective covering, availabe online (from various auction sites). These are very lightweight. Strength to weight ratio of Kevlar rope is substantially higher than other ropes (I am not sure if the parachute rope has a kevlar core). I have been using Kevlar rope for guying the antenna mast at VU2LID (check http://shipwreck.hopto.org/images/albums/ham/Projects/40mQuadLoop/tn/t_SouthViewVU2LIDTop.jpg.html ). The rope has survived tropical weather for more than a year.
73 de vu2lid / n8li