Elecraft

NorCal Doublet

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Frank MacDonell

NorCal Doublet

Does anyone know where one can purchase the wire for the NorCal
Doublet Antenna (4 strand computer ribbon wire)? Thanks

--
Frank KD8FIP
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Milt -- N5IA

Re: NorCal Doublet

Actually, that wire is 4-wire rotor control wire that was used for many
years (perhaps still is) for the simple rotors that don't have brakes in
them. You probably can get it from any of the normal Ham Radio stores that
sell rotors.

Milt, N5IA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Frank MacDonell" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 9:01 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] NorCal Doublet

> Does anyone know where one can purchase the wire for the NorCal
> Doublet Antenna (4 strand computer ribbon wire)? Thanks
>
> --
> Frank KD8FIP
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
Version: 8.0.233 / Virus Database: 270.11.8/1987 - Release Date: 3/6/2009
7:20 AM

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Milt -- N5IA

Re: NorCal Doublet

I decided to go a-googling.

Here is what I found at the wireman web site.
http://www.thewireman.com/index.html

In particular at http://www.thewireman.com/rotorp.html

308 4-20,various light weight rotors, resistance 1.04 ohms per 100 ft
per wire 0.30 0.24 0.230 0.218

Milt, N5IA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Milt, N5IA" <[hidden email]>
To: "Frank MacDonell" <[hidden email]>; "Elecraft"
<[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 9:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] NorCal Doublet

> Actually, that wire is 4-wire rotor control wire that was used for many
> years (perhaps still is) for the simple rotors that don't have brakes in
> them. You probably can get it from any of the normal Ham Radio stores
> that
> sell rotors.
>
> Milt, N5IA
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Frank MacDonell" <[hidden email]>
> To: "Elecraft" <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 9:01 PM
> Subject: [Elecraft] NorCal Doublet
>
>
>> Does anyone know where one can purchase the wire for the NorCal
>> Doublet Antenna (4 strand computer ribbon wire)? Thanks
>>
>> --
>> Frank KD8FIP
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
> Version: 8.0.233 / Virus Database: 270.11.8/1987 - Release Date: 3/6/2009
> 7:20 AM
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: NorCal Doublet

In reply to this post by Frank MacDonell

Frank,

I do not know of a source, but contrary to other posts, the Norcal
doublet used actual computer #26
IDS wire (not rotator wire).

Don't get me wrong, the rotator wire will work, but it will not be as
lightweight as one constructed of computer flat cable as the NorCal
doublet was.

If you want an antenna that will perform just like the NorCal doublet,
use any kind of wire for the radiator, cut to 22 ft. on each side and
feed it with 300 ohm ladder line. I use the #22 teflon wire offered
frequently by N2GO on the QRP reflector for the radiating element, and
use either lengths of the same N2GO wire twisted for the feedline or I
use the 300 ohm ladder line. The teflon insulation is nice because it
does not stick to tree limbs and if tangled is easy to untangle because
of the 'slippery' nature of teflon. The antenna is the same as the
NorCal doublet, but the wire is different.

73,
Don W3FPR

Frank MacDonell wrote:
> Does anyone know where one can purchase the wire for the NorCal
> Doublet Antenna (4 strand computer ribbon wire)? Thanks
>
>
>
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David Cutter

Re: NorCal Doublet

To avoid the joint in the middle, I've used the all-copper ladderline, ie
not the copper coated steel variety, it's a lot smaller and lighter, I think
it is supposed to be 450ohm (correct me if I'm wrong) it's about 10mm wide,
light grey. I like the fishing swivel idea attached to the ring in the end
of a fishing pole.

Not sure now lossy the ribbon cable is on HF, probably similar to zip cord
which goes way back.

See nice article on the above in March QST. KR8L shows comparison loss
compared to lightweight coax feeders and there's not much in it.

David
G3UNA

> Frank,
>
> I do not know of a source, but contrary to other posts, the Norcal
> doublet used actual computer #26
> IDS wire (not rotator wire).
>
> Don't get me wrong, the rotator wire will work, but it will not be as
> lightweight as one constructed of computer flat cable as the NorCal
> doublet was.
>
> If you want an antenna that will perform just like the NorCal doublet,
> use any kind of wire for the radiator, cut to 22 ft. on each side and
> feed it with 300 ohm ladder line. I use the #22 teflon wire offered
> frequently by N2GO on the QRP reflector for the radiating element, and
> use either lengths of the same N2GO wire twisted for the feedline or I
> use the 300 ohm ladder line. The teflon insulation is nice because it
> does not stick to tree limbs and if tangled is easy to untangle because
> of the 'slippery' nature of teflon. The antenna is the same as the
> NorCal doublet, but the wire is different.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> Frank MacDonell wrote:
>> Does anyone know where one can purchase the wire for the NorCal
>> Doublet Antenna (4 strand computer ribbon wire)? Thanks
>>
>>
>>
>

______________________________________________________________
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ng3v

Re: NorCal Doublet

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Don,

Is the "300 ohm ladder line" you mention actually open or like TV twin lead?

72,

Tom, ng3v

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 12:16 AM
To: Frank MacDonell
Cc: Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] NorCal Doublet

Frank,

I do not know of a source, but contrary to other posts, the Norcal doublet
used actual computer #26 IDS wire (not rotator wire).

Don't get me wrong, the rotator wire will work, but it will not be as
lightweight as one constructed of computer flat cable as the NorCal doublet
was.

If you want an antenna that will perform just like the NorCal doublet, use
any kind of wire for the radiator, cut to 22 ft. on each side and feed it
with 300 ohm ladder line. I use the #22 teflon wire offered frequently by
N2GO on the QRP reflector for the radiating element, and use either lengths
of the same N2GO wire twisted for the feedline or I use the 300 ohm ladder
line. The teflon insulation is nice because it does not stick to tree limbs
and if tangled is easy to untangle because of the 'slippery' nature of
teflon. The antenna is the same as the NorCal doublet, but the wire is
different.

73,
Don W3FPR

Frank MacDonell wrote:
> Does anyone know where one can purchase the wire for the NorCal
> Doublet Antenna (4 strand computer ribbon wire)? Thanks
>
>
>
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

______________________________________________________________
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: NorCal Doublet

It is the narrow window line. The Wireman #562 is what I bought at one
of the hamfests.

73,
Don W3FPR

NG3V wrote:

> Don,
>
> Is the "300 ohm ladder line" you mention actually open or like TV twin lead?
>
>
> 72,
>
> Tom, ng3v
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
> Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 12:16 AM
> To: Frank MacDonell
> Cc: Elecraft
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] NorCal Doublet
>
> Frank,
>
> I do not know of a source, but contrary to other posts, the Norcal doublet
> used actual computer #26 IDS wire (not rotator wire).
>
> Don't get me wrong, the rotator wire will work, but it will not be as
> lightweight as one constructed of computer flat cable as the NorCal doublet
> was.
>
> If you want an antenna that will perform just like the NorCal doublet, use
> any kind of wire for the radiator, cut to 22 ft. on each side and feed it
> with 300 ohm ladder line. I use the #22 teflon wire offered frequently by
> N2GO on the QRP reflector for the radiating element, and use either lengths
> of the same N2GO wire twisted for the feedline or I use the 300 ohm ladder
> line. The teflon insulation is nice because it does not stick to tree limbs
> and if tangled is easy to untangle because of the 'slippery' nature of
> teflon. The antenna is the same as the NorCal doublet, but the wire is
> different.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> Frank MacDonell wrote:
>
>> Does anyone know where one can purchase the wire for the NorCal
>> Doublet Antenna (4 strand computer ribbon wire)? Thanks
>>
>>
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.8/1987 - Release Date: 03/06/09 07:20:00
>
>

Frank MacDonell

Re: NorCal Doublet

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Thanks Don and all who responded - I am taking your advice and
ordering the wire. I have also ordered a BLT and I am waiting for it
to arrive.

2 Questions - How do you terminate the ladder line with the antenna
line and what are your recommendations for supporting the antenna in
the field. Thanks a lot for your help!
FJM

On Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 12:15 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Frank,
>
> I do not know of a source, but contrary to other posts, the Norcal doublet
> used actual computer #26
> IDS wire (not rotator wire).
>
> Don't get me wrong, the rotator wire will work, but it will not be as
> lightweight as one constructed of computer flat cable as the NorCal doublet
> was.
> If you want an antenna that will perform just like the NorCal doublet, use
> any kind of wire for the radiator, cut to 22 ft. on each side and feed it
> with 300 ohm ladder line. I use the #22 teflon wire offered frequently by
> N2GO on the QRP reflector for the radiating element, and use either lengths
> of the same N2GO wire twisted for the feedline or I use the 300 ohm ladder
> line. The teflon insulation is nice because it does not stick to tree limbs
> and if tangled is easy to untangle because of the 'slippery' nature of
> teflon. The antenna is the same as the NorCal doublet, but the wire is
> different.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> Frank MacDonell wrote:
>>
>> Does anyone know where one can purchase the wire for the NorCal
>> Doublet Antenna (4 strand computer ribbon wire)? Thanks
>>
>>
>

--
Frank KD8FIP
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: NorCal Doublet

My feedline is permanently soldered to the radiator wires. Since my
field/portable operation is always QRP, the insulators are cut from a
sheet of 1/4 inch Lexan that I have lying around, but there is no reason
that plastic from a milk container or similar could not be used instead.

As I said, I have a 25 foot length of feedline permanently affixed to
mine, and I carry an additional 25 ft. length of feedline for use when
needed and more convenient. I use APP connectors to attach the extra
length and the balanced side of the balun has a short length of feedline
with an APP on it.

Think about your deployment situations and use whatever works for you.

73,
Don W3FPR

Frank MacDonell wrote:

> Thanks Don and all who responded - I am taking your advice and
> ordering the wire. I have also ordered a BLT and I am waiting for it
> to arrive.
>
> 2 Questions - How do you terminate the ladder line with the antenna
> line and what are your recommendations for supporting the antenna in
> the field. Thanks a lot for your help!
> FJM
>
> On Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 12:15 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Frank,
>>
>> I do not know of a source, but contrary to other posts, the Norcal doublet
>> used actual computer #26
>> IDS wire (not rotator wire).
>>
>> Don't get me wrong, the rotator wire will work, but it will not be as
>> lightweight as one constructed of computer flat cable as the NorCal doublet
>> was.
>> If you want an antenna that will perform just like the NorCal doublet, use
>> any kind of wire for the radiator, cut to 22 ft. on each side and feed it
>> with 300 ohm ladder line. I use the #22 teflon wire offered frequently by
>> N2GO on the QRP reflector for the radiating element, and use either lengths
>> of the same N2GO wire twisted for the feedline or I use the 300 ohm ladder
>> line. The teflon insulation is nice because it does not stick to tree limbs
>> and if tangled is easy to untangle because of the 'slippery' nature of
>> teflon. The antenna is the same as the NorCal doublet, but the wire is
>> different.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> Frank MacDonell wrote:
>>
>>> Does anyone know where one can purchase the wire for the NorCal
>>> Doublet Antenna (4 strand computer ribbon wire)? Thanks
>>>
>>>
>>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.8/1987 - Release Date: 03/06/09 07:20:00
>
>

myamiphil

Re: NorCal Doublet

In reply to this post by Frank MacDonell

Got mine at an ebay auction
25 conductor 100 ft $8.00 plus shipping
Can make lots of antennas with this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FLAT-RIBBON-CABLE-28-AWG-25-CONDUCTOR-100FT-BELDEN-9L28025-/271917481338?