It i difficult to install A3 traps backwards, but they certainly can
be installed in the wrong place. A good Gate Dip Oscillator will tell
you which is which.
I have an original A3 (not S) that has seen the original hardware
replaced with stainless stuff. The dimensions in the original
direction sheet are slightly different than the A3S models - the
current dimensions are the better ones to use. The lengths of the
reflector and director will be noted in the driven element SWR - I
found it best to set the lengths as they are shown in the manual. I
also have had difficulties getting the 40 meter add-on kit to tune
properly with my antenna because of differences in the reflector and
director to what was actually needed.
It is also possible that a trap can go bad; replacements are available
from Cushcraft if need be. The folks there are also quite helpful.
There is a rework sheet on the web that describes how to rework an A3,
including the trap resonant frequencies. Googling for A3S should find
it.
The antenna works quite nicely, I have enjoyed mine for quite a while
even though I am stuck on a small city lot with height restrictions
(30 feet).
On Mar 18, 2009, at 7:13 PM, Bill Aycock wrote:
>
> Mike is probably right. I was lucky with the one I got (used) The
> guy who
> disassembled mine left the traps connected on one of the tubes, to
> avoid
> errors. (and save work)
>
> Bill-W4BSG
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Michael Ryan" <mryan001@tampabay.rr.com>
> To: "'Bill Aycock'" <billaycock@centurytel.net>; "'mrlogs'"
> <mrlogs@verizon.net>; <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 8:43 PM
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] A3S Tuning Question
>
>
>> I wonder if this a NEW antenna or a used one? If this is a USED
>> one, one
>> sure way of driving yourself to drinking is to have the TRAPS in
>> the wrong
>> place. CUSHCRAFT in their infinite wisdom does not indelibly mark
>> their
>> traps. It is remarkably easy to get them mixed up. ( HyGain used to
>> put a
>> label/tag on theirs that would last for decades). If you are not
>> ABSOLUTELY
>> sure that the traps are in the correct order and on the right
>> element, and
>> perhaps even FACING the right way, you might look at that. Just a
>> thought... - Mike
>>
>> -----
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
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- Jack Brindle, W6FB
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