I use the "suggested" RG-8 coil on my A3S, in lieu of an antenna fuse. IT
WORKY WORKY! 73 ... Mark AA6DX
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gene Bigham" <jbigham2@kc.rr.com>
To: <TowerTalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, September 07, 2003 12:20 AM
Subject: [TowerTalk] A3S Problem
I recently posted a problem with my A3S following a heavy 8 inch rainfall in
our area, and again posted asking about the Force 12 antenna that has a
small footprint, the C3SS. I am reconsidering at this point. Here is what
I found out. I applied full power to the 14 MHz band and the SWR fluctuated
down! Yes as I was applying the power at the legal limit tuning up I noticed
the 3:1 SWR reading going down. After declaring testing several times and
keeping the power level high for about a minute the SWR had dropped to 2:1.
Then again I declared testing on psk and applied full power again and the
SWR dropped to 1.5:1. I again did the same and now the SWR is at about
1.2:1 on 14Mhz. I checked the SWR on 21 MHz and have again realized 1.2:1
(with the problem in place I could not get better than 3.5 to 1 SWR on 21
MHz), and as in the past 28 MHz about 2:1 (with the problem I had 3:1 across
all of 10 meters)!!!
Okay these are the same readings I had prior to having this problem. I took
down all traps today on driven element and cleaned them and sealed them. I
replaced some of the zinc plated screws holding the trap outer covers with
stainless steel as several of the zinc ones were corroded and not making
good contact and after putting the element back together at first there was
no improvement. Still the same problematic readings.
Now that I have resonance again, I am suspecting the Van Gordon 1:1 balun up
at the antenna. Perhaps it had a loose connection through its plastic case
as some have mentioned might happen. Perhaps it sucked a little water and
the power boiled or evaporated it off.
I was about to give up on this antenna, but it is now back inside of specs
as I have set it up.
Does anybody have an idea on this. When I applied full legal limit on 14
MHz for tune up the SWR got better and better and now is stable as it had
been in the past only better as I adjusted the outer element rods for better
SWR prior to having this problem. I have made sure all element clamps are
secure by attempting to rotate the elements after affixing the hose clamps.
All is secure.
Is it possible that the Van Gordon either lost connection through its
plastic case or had some water in it and I evaporated it?
I am open to suggestions at this point as it will be costly to replace this
system and funds are limited at this time.
Thanks in advance,
Gene Bigham KB0GU
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
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http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
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