Now it is time to route the element wires around the antenna. Start with the 10 meter
wire on the inner most loop. The 10 meter wire will be the shortest one. Attach the end
with the eyelet to one side of the balun box. Route the wire around the antenna to each
of the inner most holes in the support arms. Insert a 1 inch screw with a flat washer on it
through the fiberglass tube. Thread the nut onto the screw but do not tighten. Do this on at
each hole as you add the wire. Do both sides and then attach the insulator. See figure below
as to how to wrap the wire around the bolt on the insulator. Do this for both sides and try to
make sure the insulator is centered. The same amount of wire should loop around each bolt.
Pull the wire so that there is just a small about of slack in the wire. Do not tighten the wire to
remove sag. A little sag will not hurt the performance of the antenna and it will prevent stress
to the element wire and support arms when icing or strong wind occurs.
Leave the screws with the washers on them loose to allow movement of the wire when installing
the rest of the loops. Route the other loops the same way. Mind the tension of the wires on
each element and try to keep them even. The insulators will naturally sag more than the other
sections because of the added weight. This will not cause any problems with the operation of
the antenna. When your happy with how all the wires look, tighten the screws on the element
tubes to prevent the wires from moving. Tighten the lock nuts on the matching box and
compress the eyelets down for a good connection.
Element Wires
Loop extra wire back around
Don't trim it yet.
Wait for tuning
Your insulator may differ
Install nuts just enough that
the nylon lock engages.
