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THE AM BULLETIN BOARD => QSO => Topic started by: k4kyv on January 19, 2011, 05:11:04 PM



Title: Another commercially manufactured open-wire spreader product
Post by: k4kyv on January 19, 2011, 05:11:04 PM
This one from South Africa. He says he will ship overseas, but no prices in $US are given. R15 (package of 25) should equal to a couple of dollars per the currency converter (http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/time-zone/africa/south-africa/currency.htm).

Disclaimer: Passing this along FYI only; I have no interest in the company...  and I probably have a lifetime supply of EF Johnson ceramic spreaders on hand.

http://www.instantladderline.co.za/home.html










Title: Re: Another commercially manufactured open-wire spreader product
Post by: Steve - K4HX on January 19, 2011, 05:18:53 PM
Looks like the spacing is about 3-5/16 inches. The wire size is as large as 8 gauge (bare wire).


Title: Re: Another commercially manufactured open-wire spreader product
Post by: K1JJ on January 19, 2011, 05:56:59 PM
Hmmmm....  even though the spreaders appear to hold the wire fast using a "pinch" hold -  I'd add  6" worth of solid #20 enameled wire to each end, lashing the openwire to the spreaders.   The wind and ice might pull those spreaders around otherwise.  

T


Title: Re: Another commercially manufactured open-wire spreader product
Post by: k4kyv on January 19, 2011, 07:18:43 PM
I still prefer the classic method of letting the feed wires rest in a groove at each end of the spreader, and poking the small gauge enamelled wire through a hole at the end of the spreader about a quarter-inch away from the groove, and wrapping a few turns of the enamelled wire round each feeder in each direction.  They probably don't get much ice accumulation in South Africa.

Somewhere, I have seen a snap-on spreader, similar but not identical to this one, advertised for sale in the US.

I am glad to see enough interest in open wire feeders to cause them to be commercially manufactered.


Title: Re: Another commercially manufactured open-wire spreader product
Post by: N0WEK on January 19, 2011, 07:53:26 PM
I've got an inquiry in to them for a shipping quote to Minneapolis and asking where they're built; it'd be a shame to ship them all the way here and find out they were made in China, shipped here, then to SA and then back here.


Title: Re: Another commercially manufactured open-wire spreader product
Post by: KA2QFX on January 31, 2011, 09:34:56 AM
I didn't see this in any previous post. Have you seen these? I think their a little pricey but the idea ain't bad. A larger size (wire and spacing) would be better. IMHO.
http://www.73cnc.com/73cnc/laddersnap.html (http://www.73cnc.com/73cnc/laddersnap.html)


Title: Re: Another commercially manufactured open-wire spreader product
Post by: KL7OF on January 31, 2011, 10:57:04 AM
I like the snap on idea...however , i would like to see a more streamlined shape for less wind resistance and less snow and ice buildup...maybe a small hole on each end for a little tie wire.....Anyone have an injection molding machine?
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