Antenna End Insulator ("Dog Bone" Insulator)

prusaprinters

<p>Antenna end insulator, for attaching end of wire antennas to support lines. Designed for print-ability, structural strength, minimal chafing of wires and lines. When printed at 70% scale (recommended size) or more, exceeds typical support line and antenna wire break strengths. Hole size is 10mm at 100% scale, 7mm hole at 70% scale, etc.</p> <p>Size and design provides long leakage path to easily contain potential end voltages. Typical voltages one can expect at the end of a dipole:<br/> @ 100 watts up to 600-700 volts.<br/> @ 1500 watts up to/around 8000 volts.</p> <p>RF thermal effects should not be an issue for any station up to 500 watts. Unknown if any issues above that.</p> <p>End insulators are important components of any wire antenna and provide a stable capacitance to maintain antenna tune. Attaching antenna wires directly to support lines or structures is not recommended.</p> <p>Outdoor, load-bearing, support application. Do not recommend using PLA or ABS.</p> <p>Note: antenna insulators do NOT provide any form of lightning protection.</p> <p>Designed with Fusion 360.</p> <p>73!</p> <h3>Print instructions</h3><h3>Category: Electronics Print Settings</h3> <p><strong>Printer Brand:</strong> Prusa</p> <p><strong>Printer:</strong> <a href="http://amzn.to/2rqZ6Uo">i3 MK3</a></p> <p><strong>Resolution:</strong> .30</p> <p><strong>Infill:</strong> 50% rectilinear</p> <p><strong>Filament:</strong> Prusament PETG Black recommended for UV resistance<br/> <strong>Notes:</strong></p> <p>6 perimeters. 6 top and 5 bottom layers.<br/> Designed to print laying on side, with hole facing down.<br/> Infill at 50% rectilinear, at 90 degree orientation. You want long, end-to-end path for infill.<br/> Perimeters and long internal fill path provides strongest longitudinal strength.</p> <h3> Overview and Background</h3> <p>In my journey to design an insulator for myself, I learned that the subject of insulators is<br/> quite a bit more interesting and considerably more involved than I ever thought it would be.<br/> I put together a PowerPoint presentation with some of what I learned for my local radio club, and also uploaded here for your interest.</p> <h3> Related Designs</h3> <p>See also: <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3557846">Antenna Guy Insulator</a>.</p> <p>See also: <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3672619">Wire Clamp for 14 gauge Antenna Wire</a>.</p>