ice storm observations

[WA8ZTZ]

FWIW, this covers all types of antennas Ham and SWL.
We are currently experiencing an ice storm along with windy conditions here in Michigan. Everything is covered in 1/4" inch or more of ice and tree branches are crashing down. This is where over-engineering your antenna installation pays off. Remember to allow for a potential ice and wind load as well as hazards associated with falling trees if you live in an area where icing can happen. Never run an antenna over or under overhead electrical lines, one could fall on the other.

Of my various wire antennas, it is interesting to note that the ones with the black insulation have shed most of their ice load this afternoon. The sky is solid overcast with rain still falling and OAT is exactly at the freezing mark (32F) but apparently there is enough solar radiation getting through and warming up the black insulation enough to melt the ice. The other wire antennas as well as support ropes of grey, white, and green all still are coated with ice. All the bare metal antennas (TV, discone, the verticals, J-pole) are all ice covered.

This is where having an antenna(s) in the attic can serve as a back-up in case you do lose an antenna in a weather event such as this. Repairing a downed outdoor antenna in these present conditions would be miserable.

 

[a29zuk]

I have three end fed wire antennas for SWL and BCB listening. Ironically I use #22 insulated stranded wire. I also use weed whacker line instead of rope for support. They are all blue in color.

My thought was instead of using the standard #14 or #12 that I have used previously, the smaller diameter wire would not allow birds or squirrels climb on them. Also there would be less ice build up during these storms.

Two of them have survived for four years, and one of them I strung up last summer.

I saw the ice on them this morning and they weren't sagging too much. They thawed out around 3pm when the temperature rose to 33F but are all still standing.

Just to add to your suggestions, always solder your connections and use Scotch brand electrical tape or a good liquid insulation on them. They hold up better that way.

Because of the wire size this doesn't apply for transmitting but for receiving it is sufficient. I don't know if this called under engineering because everything is smaller and lighter, but it seems to be working out well.

Jim

 

[WA8ZTZ]

use Scotch brand electrical tape

Jim,

Good to hear your antennas survived the wind and ice.
IHMO, Scotch 33 is the best general purpose electrical tape out there.