A downlead is the transmission line running from an outdoor aerial to the receiver or transmitter inside a building. It carries the captured radio frequency signals down from the feedpoint. Installers must carefully route and secure this cable to prevent signal loss, chafing against structures, or acting as a lightning path into the equipment room.
Check the downlead for water ingress because the SWR shot up after that rainstorm.
Always include a drip loop in the downlead just before it enters the building to stop rainwater from running directly into the radio shack.
Also heard as
- drop cable
- feedline
Do not mix it up with
- Uplead: An uplead refers to the wire going up to the antenna element, while the downlead brings the signal down to the radio.
Related terms
Coaxial cable
A copper transmission line built with a central conductor surrounded by an insulating layer and a braided metallic shield.
Feedpoint
The physical location on an antenna where the transmission line connects to transfer radio frequency power.
Uplead
The transmission line connecting a radio transmitter output to an elevated antenna.