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Can coax and ladder line run next to each other?


KJ4ZFJ

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I'm returning to amateur radio after years of inactivity and I've forgotten almost everything!  I'm back in to reading, studying, watching youtube videos, etc.  I am preparing to hang a ZS6BKW antenna between two trees.  the ladder line will be in my yard and I want to elevate the connected coax (RG-213) to keep it off the lawn for mowing etc.  Are there any issues if I allow the ladder line to hang down next to a PVC pipe mounted in the ground, attach the coax, and then run the coax back up the pipe to a height to run over to my roof and down into my shack?  Thanks!  I'm sure there will be plenty of additional questions 🙂 The more I study, the more I realize my ignorance.  

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Hi Tim.

I'm running out the door so I'll give you the really short answer: bad idea. Why? Simply because there is a golden rule with ladder line, keep it away from anything conductive. Most will give you a formula of two times the width. In other words, keep any conductive element, yes, even carbon fiber 🤫 away. My father had a far better rule, nothing metal parallel to the line at arms length. He was a physicist and engineer so his explanation was very lengthy, and if you'd like, I might bore you with it later. For now, as I run out the door, just don't do it. Find another solution. 

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