Assembling the Dipole
Center-T Support
The center-T support has pre-drilled holes for attachment of the wire elements, feedline and
support rope.
Support Line
The center-T support’s top hole is used for the attachment of a messenger line that is used to
provide support for the antenna wire and feedline. The use of the messenger line, which is
strongly recommended, will reduce the stress on the element wires and keep the antenna from
stretching over time, which will change its resonant frequency.
Ideally, the messenger line should attach to the same structure used for the dipole, only above it,
forming at least a 30 degree angle between the dipole and the messenger line to support the
antenna. See
Figure 2
.
Figure 2
:
Example Mounting Diagram
Two 100 foot spools of Dacron rope are used for the messenger lines. Use one spool for each
side of the line.
Each rope should run through the top hole in the center-T support and tied using
the knot depicted in
Figure 5
or some other knot that will hold securely.
Figure 3
shows the
rope routed through the top hole.
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The excess rope can be used to attach the antenna end-insulators to the support structures. Use
the same structures used by the messenger line if possible. The ends of the rope should be
cauterized with a small flame to prevent the rope braid from fraying.
