At 03:26 PM 8/30/01 -0500, Ford Peterson wrote:
>
>I looked at Rick Karlquist's posting of pictures today with great interest.
>My concern it the use of PVC throughout. I have no documentation to
>demonstrate my fears.
>
>I have used PVC for many antenna projects. It's an antenna maker's dream
>material. However, does the fact that PVC is subject to UV (ultra violet
>light) degradation disturb anybody but me. I am certain it will hold up for
>a couple of years and will stand there just fine for a couple of more.
>However, how many years can you wait before having to take it down and
>replace the PVC? Again, it will stand there undisturbed for some time.
>Taking it down after a few years really bothers me.
Hi Ford -- as you may know, Force 12 uses light gray PVC insulators in all
their antennas. They suggest that in areas with intense direct sunlight or
reflected sunlight (off snowpack, for example), it would be smart to wrap
the insulators in black vinyl electrical tape.
In my case, I have three of their antennas, ranging in age from 6 years to
4 years. There is no palpable deterioration of the PVC, which is not
wrapped in my case. I would be more concerned, I guess, if the PVC was used
in a structural situation, because I'd expect the deterioration to take the
form of embrittlement over time. Maybe there's a plastics chemist out
there who can enlighten us all.
73, Pete N4ZR
List Sponsored by AN Wireless: AN Wireless handles Rohn tower systems,
Trylon Titan towers, coax, hardline and more. Also check out our self
supporting towers up to 96 feet for under $1500!! http://www.anwireless.com
-----
FAQ on WWW: http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
Submissions: towertalk@contesting.com
Administrative requests: towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
|