HF connection to backstay

[Ernie Thomas]

What is the best way to connect my feed line to my backstay? I'm not sure if there is a commercial coax connector for this purpose or if I should just find a convient screw head. (Not worried about the shield connection at this point, since that is another whole topic)ThanksErnie Thomass/v Seas the Moment

 

[Debra Blatnik]

Don't connect, convert

You need to cut the backstay in 2 places (one up high, and one down low). Insulate with special connectors, and then attach the feed line. (Insulate with pvc tube above where people will grab the line). You need at least 23 ft. of backstay as I recall. You will also need an antenna tuner.The big discount houses should have the connectors. Sailnet has a couple of articles on how-to, and I'm sure there is info in the archives.

 

[Scott]

Alternative to backstay connection

Faced with taping a HF connection into one of the two split backstays, I was concerned with the opposit backstay and the steel topping lift line causing signal radiation problems, not to mention the high cost of an automatic antenna tuner (about $400-600).Instead, I purchased a Perth Plus multi-band antenna and attached it to the a rail at the stern. This has worked well. An antenna tuner isn't needed because there are a series of different taps into which you need to plug a short cord for whichever band you want to work. This can be a bit of a pain, as I have to leave the cabin to change the tap when I want to change bands. It's worked well for me throughout the Caribbean and Florida.I get an extra 2 on my signal (other stations report) when I toss a 10-foot piece of 3" wide copper foil off the stern and into the salt water, the other end is bolted to the antenna's mount.

 

[Tim Schaaf]

Scott, split or twin backstay, no problem

For years, I used the standard split backstay on my H33 as a very good HF antenna. The lower insulator was just above the Y where the backstay split. Recently, I modified my rigging to include twin backstays, and it still works fine. By the way, you can also simply run your antenna wire inside double braid, replacing the core) and run it up to the masthead. It is already insulated, and is independent of the standing rigging and very cheap. You will still need a tuner.