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Re: [TowerTalk] A couple of 18HT questions

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] A couple of 18HT questions
From: Patrick Greenlee <patrick_g@windstream.net>
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 08:10:37 -0600
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The Hy-Gain Hy-Tower (AKA can work 160 with the base loading coil but it is not my preferred method. If you have room for the "horizontal" run, Hy-Gain has a kit to add 160 meters in a way I like better as it requires no tapping of the coil and switching the coil in or out of the circuit (not convenient.)

The kit consists of a 40 meter trap which is attached to the vertical at the top of the 24 ft triangular portion and continues on (bare antenna wire) to the supplied end insulator (provided) forming an inverted "L" configuration. The 40 Meter trap is to keep the long wire from detuning the antenna's 40 meter function. This makes 160 band switching "automatic" like the other bands.

Oh, ...and do tighten all the hardware securely after using anti-oxidation paste between all clamped metal surfaces. Recently one of my stubs came unbolted at the top bolt and did a 180 pointing down instead of up. This after a couple years of service. OOPS!!

Using the supplied stubs as a learning tool, save $ and make your own stubs for the missing WARC bands on this antenna.

You have chosen wisely... this is a good antenna. Mine is mounted atop a 37x73x18 (eave height) all metal building with no radials, just the counterpoise of the building and it works very well. As I am in Oklahoma where the wind comes sweeping down the plain I put a 3 way guy on it at the top of the triangular tower part (Phillystran.) This avoided the requirement to spread the load in the roof structure substituted for the yard of concrete A N D I can tie antenna ropes to it to support the ends of 270 ft OCF (Carolina Windom) dipole or whatever with no worries.

Consider an electrical connection to the rebar cage so you can ground the tower to it.

Best of luck, enjoy your fine versatile antenna.

Patrick   NJ5G



On 12/16/2014 5:51 PM, Allen Brier N5XZ wrote:
I have the hole dug for my new 18HT tower but still a few more questions:

1.       The base consists of three 1.75 in by 0.25 in thick aluminum "base
tubes" with long bolts on the bottom which is pushed into the concrete
immediately after the pour. Is there any problem with the aluminum
contacting the concrete producing any kind of adverse chemical reaction?

2.       The rods only go into the concrete perhaps 18 to 24 in. Is that
sufficient to hold the tower in the concrete?

3.       I have been told that the PVC insulators which are at the top of
the top tower section should be replaced with Teflon due to high voltage at
that point while using the antenna on 160 meters with the base loading coil.
(Note I plan to use a larger physical coil than Hy-Gain recommends). Any
truth to that?

That is all for now.

Allen R. Brier N5XZ

1515 Windloch Lane

Richmond, Texas 77406-2553

(281) 342-1882 (Home)

(713) 705-4801 (Cell)

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