Guy wires
Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 12:51 pm
Guy wires are support wires that hold the mast up. They are usually necessary when the mast exceeds 12 feet in length. In most places, the mast will eventually face an 80 mph wind.
[img]http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/GuyWires.jpg[/img]
Since guy wires are usually steel they can disrupt the antenna, lowering its gain. To avoid this, keep the attachment point at least 4 feet below the VHF antenna boom (2 feet for UHF). If this is impossible, guys made from plastics are a possibility (Dacron, Kevlar, etc.), but stretchiness is a problem, along with cost and ultraviolet susceptibility.
[img]http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/GuyWires.jpg[/img]
Since guy wires are usually steel they can disrupt the antenna, lowering its gain. To avoid this, keep the attachment point at least 4 feet below the VHF antenna boom (2 feet for UHF). If this is impossible, guys made from plastics are a possibility (Dacron, Kevlar, etc.), but stretchiness is a problem, along with cost and ultraviolet susceptibility.