Just had a sudden isssue of my ACOM 1000 tripping due to high swr. It
had been fine, then began an intermittent, come and go problem.
I checked the feed point for my 160 and 80m wires at the base of a 45'
tall walnut tree. Cut out some wire and replaced it. Disconnected the
current balun. Tightened all the radials where they come together in a
large bus bar. Shook, rattled and twisted the inductor and all wires.
The problem came and went. At low power it was ok but with the amp it
tripped.
I have two INV-L's supported by the same tree. Been up and running for
six years. Finally got the binoculars out and noticed the two wires
seemed to cross each other up at 50 ft. And by judicially rerouting
several wires and guy ropes, finally got them uncrossed.
The AA54 tested fine at the base/feed point, so I headed in to apply
full power. No more problems as of 4 pm yesterday!
Apparently the wind had shifted the two wires enough to where they
crossed each other, and despite the pvc jackets, high power caused a
short.
Spent a lot of time on 160 and 80 last night, with no issues, so I
should be good for the CQWW.
So my issue points to a loose or floppy wire crossing onto another
antenna. In your case, a loose wire could be making contact with the
tower ( or another wire?)
Also, is your current balun ok?
And then theres the old classic of water getting into your coax, or
into those nasty barrel connectors and causing
corrosion/discontinuities?
Good luck.
_________________
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
|