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Inexpensive High Quality Ceramic Insulators for Antennas

Created by on 2021-03-26

For years I have used and promoted ceramic electric fence insulators for use with antennas.  They are inexpensive (about $1 each) and designed to be under a good deal of tension without breakage.  Available at most farm stores in packs of 10 for about $10.


I've had my 80 meter triangular loop antenna up since 2006.  Down a couple times to repair the stranded "corner interconnect wires", but other than that 100% uptime.  Will likely change out polyester rope this year as it is starting to show some signs of deterioration.  It uses copper weld for the 3 sides with 2 insulators each.  Then stranded wire to interconnect. 

           

I've also used them as pullys for antennas.  They do work that way, but can be a bit cantankerous.   There are also other models with screws etc molded in, but I've not found a use for them myself.  I purchased mine at TSC, but I am sure other farm stores would have them as well.

Hope this is of value to my fellow hams.

73,

Ron WD8SBB

N8TI2021-04-17
Inexpensive High Quality Ceramic Insulators for Antennas
I have used those for years. They last forever and leave no doubt that your antenna is insulated. They might be too heavy for portable antenna work, so the plastic ones they sell for the electrical fences might be good for the light gauge wire work.
KM1H2021-04-17
Re: Inexpensive High Quality Ceramic Insulators for Antennas
I used several 10 paks of the black ones for 5 2 wire Beverages for 10 directions and had to use longer nails to get thru the bark in these old trees here. A few got busted due to falling trees or big limbs but most have survived up to 30 years or so.

Source was Dodge Feed and Grain in Salem NH and they are still carried when I went in for a quart of Permethrin last week to begin my deer tick killing season.

Carl
Reply to a comment by : K0UA on 2021-03-26

I use the yellow plastic ones with a built in nail to support elevated radials as they pass by trees. This keeps it stood off of the tree a few inches and are easily installed. I have had some up for several years now.
K0UA2021-03-26
Inexpensive High Quality Ceramic Insulators for Antennas
I use the yellow plastic ones with a built in nail to support elevated radials as they pass by trees. This keeps it stood off of the tree a few inches and are easily installed. I have had some up for several years now.
VE3CUI2021-03-26
Inexpensive High Quality Ceramic Insulators for Antennas
Ron, even the ones with a screw passing through them can be useful to your needs...

I've used them as regularly-spaced supports for open-wire feedline (with 4some 6" spacing between the wires), securing the line underneath a considerable length of wooden sundeck --- worked like gangbusters, too.

Never thought about using the screwless ones for a loop antenna, though, as you did --- absolutely a GREAT idea...! Thanks for sharing...