06-11-2022, 06:52 AM
Hi Nev,
I've used both 1.5mm and 2mm mono before to guy a 6BTV on the roof of our house. You're correct that the visual impact is very low, and at certain angles you can't see the mono at all.
I used large snap swivels at the ends of the mono to allow an easy way to disconnect the mono from the brackets to tilt the antenna over to tuning/inspection. And at all ends I used purpose made springs (about two inches long) over any mono that needs to be connected with anything else - the spring protects the mono from abrasions. And I also used the purpose made aluminium crimps for the mono.
I regulary checked the mono every 6 months and I was quite happy how it held up. After 6 years in the sun all lengths/joints were very strong - I couldn't break it with all my weight!
One thing I found particularly interesting - I've used dacron/paracord/insert other UV stable rope name here, and all suffered at the fate of either cockatoos or possums nibbling their way through the ends that they could reach. It was like they were attracted to the rope/guys. At least every 3 months I'd have to fix an end that they had chewed through. But they don't touch the mono, not once have I had to repair an end due to cockatoos or possums. I can't explain why they go for the rope/dacron and not the mono, but it's like they don't even see it!
Good luck
Jayson
VK1JA
I've used both 1.5mm and 2mm mono before to guy a 6BTV on the roof of our house. You're correct that the visual impact is very low, and at certain angles you can't see the mono at all.
I used large snap swivels at the ends of the mono to allow an easy way to disconnect the mono from the brackets to tilt the antenna over to tuning/inspection. And at all ends I used purpose made springs (about two inches long) over any mono that needs to be connected with anything else - the spring protects the mono from abrasions. And I also used the purpose made aluminium crimps for the mono.
I regulary checked the mono every 6 months and I was quite happy how it held up. After 6 years in the sun all lengths/joints were very strong - I couldn't break it with all my weight!
One thing I found particularly interesting - I've used dacron/paracord/insert other UV stable rope name here, and all suffered at the fate of either cockatoos or possums nibbling their way through the ends that they could reach. It was like they were attracted to the rope/guys. At least every 3 months I'd have to fix an end that they had chewed through. But they don't touch the mono, not once have I had to repair an end due to cockatoos or possums. I can't explain why they go for the rope/dacron and not the mono, but it's like they don't even see it!
Good luck
Jayson
VK1JA