[BC] Long Wire

[Steve Lewis]

Another (may be stupid) point to clarify.  The top end of the drape wires
are connected to the tower through the girdle and spider.  Would insulators
be used at the top to eliminate connection to the tower via the support
structure?  

The bottom of the wires *are not* electrically connected to the tower in any
way (by the use of insulators), correct?

And the drape is not electrically connected to the tower at any point except
the top, as I understand it, right?

I'm asking so many questions because I have one of these things in
Mississippi that I've received varied opinions on its performance.  The
tower is llsted in the CDBS as 205 degrees at operating frequency but no
mention of a skirt.  The theoretical field strength at 1 KW is 419 mV/m at a
kilometer.

-----Original Message-----

Definitions:
-----------
Girdle - a large wire (or cab be a hoop of tubing)
         connecting ends of drape wires. Note:
         girdles appear preferable at top and bottom.

Spider - large wires (or tubes) radiating from a central 
         point so as to provide equal length paths to
         the lower end each drape in the skirt or to the
         equidistant points on the girdle between adjacent
         drapes. Note: Modeled performance is usually better
         when both a girdle and spider are used to balance 
         currents equally in all conductors.

Attachment/
Support: Conductive support arm of sufficient length that 
         the end away from the tower is not less than five
         feet from any part of the tower's horizontal
         cross-section at any point. Note: Depending on
         tower geometry it may be necessary to provide
         more clearance for three drapes in a six drape
         system so that the tower is centered in a hexagonal
         "cage."