You misunderstand me. I'm not faulting your actions but wanted to raise
the point that there is more than one possibility for error. What if the
published dimensions are in error? Three possibilities: parts are wrong
size, written dimensions are in error, or both parts and paper are wrong.
What you know is that the parts and the paper don't agree with each
other so at least one or the other is bad/wrong but they both could be
wrong.
Patrick NJ5G
On 4/13/2015 11:49 AM, Lizeth Norman wrote:
Patrick,
There is no possibility of being wrong measuring these. Used an
adjustable (tongue) square to get a correct length measurement.
Just did our master bath. Kohler, Toto and Vigo fixtures, custom
Corian countertop DIY. My objective is to measure to 1/32" This
usually works out to 1/16" accuracy after the machine work.
I didn't take a photo of all the elements organized by size. If the
elements are laid out on a countertop and arranged by length, the
problem becomes obvious.
My usual method of assembling these antennas is organizing the element
pairs by length, picking the obvious elements (usually one or both
ends) from the pile, then starting from one end or the other, picking
elements that have the length called out on the diagram. Doing this
results in an orderly build. Not so this time. Once I started picking
and placing elements, after 2 pair, the pile didn't look anything like
it was supposed to. Stopped me cold. With much reflection, the answer
is obvious.
Takes a while to figure something like this out. My guess is their jig
(s) is (are) off.
Got a bunch of Garmin 17N nmea gps recievers surplus. Spent more than
a few nights trying to get them to talk (correctly).
Turns out there are features not documented in the available manuals.
I try to chalk that stuff up to learning.
This is supposed to be fun.
Norm
On Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 12:16 PM, Patrick Greenlee
<patrick_g@windstream.net> wrote:
No problem, I credited it to your frustration with the situation more than
my dumb comment.
I have been in your shoes before and it is NOT FUN.
Hope you get a satisfactory solution.
Have you done any tests? Are you sure the elements are the wrong length?
Could the written dimensions be wrong and the elements be right. The paper
work differs from reality but which is right (if either?) I have definitely
been there done that trying to torque bolts as per written instructions that
were wrong and twisting the fasteners off. Luckily the supplier immediately
swapped me for a new kit and I took an engineer buddy's advice as to proper
torque.
Good luck,
Patrick NJ5G
On 4/13/2015 9:45 AM, Lizeth Norman wrote:
Thanks! Sorry for the sharp reply. Having spent much extra time on a
puzzle that was supposed to be an easy 8 hour project it's a bit of a
sore subject.
Got some CNC aluminum from them for a KT34a upgrade that needed some
dremel work, so this isn't a first.
Based on past experience, I should have known. It's really my fault
for trying to spend in order to be able to operate. rather than play
with antennas.
The elements are too long, actually. I considered resizing them. There
is a limit of what I'll do to fix a problem.
On Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 10:30 AM, Patrick Greenlee
<patrick_g@windstream.net> wrote:
Sorry for the bonehead comment. I was not thinking small antenna as I am
working a LARGE antenna project. My fault. Yeah, 1/16 is a fair error
in
that size domain.
Odd that the supplier won't make it right for one customer and goes the
second mile for another. A quick way to lose future sales is to mistreat
a
TT poster.
If I was "stuck" with something like this I'd write it up and post to
eHAM
and wherever else I could and then put my spool gun onto the end of the
lead
from my Hobart MIG and add a little length to the missing places. A pain
that shouldn't have to be but I think the effort to correct is not such a
big deal as to be a bad choice. Of course if you don't weld aluminum or
have a friend who does then that may be too expensive to hire done.
I hope an acceptable resolution is found.
Patrick N5G
On 4/13/2015 7:39 AM, Lizeth Norman wrote:
Hey Pat!
How do you assemble an antenna when the elements are not the size
listed on the diagram?? 42 pieces of utter confusion.
Read before commenting, please!!
Norm n3ykf
On Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 8:37 AM, Patrick Greenlee
<patrick_g@windstream.net> wrote:
I'm not a Yagi guru or an EZNEC modeler. Can someone tell me what 1/16
of
an
inch in element length means in performance parameters in the example
below?
I have done mostly wire antennas and 1/16 or 1/8 didn't seem to make
much
difference.
Patrick NJ5G
On 4/13/2015 7:10 AM, Lizeth Norman wrote:
Bought a 432CP42UG from M2. Would you believe that of 21 pair of
elements, 14 PAIR were the wrong size? 13 pair were 1/16" off. 1 pair
was 1/8"
Never, never again. 700$ waste.
It took me 2 hours of puzzlement to discern the problem.
The bad news is that they have NO WARRANTY WHATSOEVER!!! YOU BUY IT
IT'S YOUR BABY!!!!
See here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/n3ykf/16913167247/
Looking at the photos, the elements are lying on paper that shows that
the correct measurement as well as what should be the actual
measurement. The elements are all represented.
The assembly diagram shows that 9 pair are 1/16" different from each
other.
This screw up makes the wrong element the right size, as well as the
converse.
Good news is that it's a match at 50 Ohms. What sort of pattern and
G/T is anyone's guess.
BTW: There is another problem. Whoever designed the antenna is a liar.
He/she defines the antenna as rated for 100 MPH. The antenna boom is
secured to the cross boom (this is an antenna designed for an az/el
array) by a pair of #8 screws. When the hurricane comes (I live in
FL), common sense says the antenna is history. I will be happy to snap
pics of it streaming downwind of the tower. Who needs an engineering
degree to see this?
FYI: Mike no longer works there. My experience with M2 customer
service has been abysmal. I have owned 4 of their antennas (18 year
time span). Still own 3. Have the receipts if some parasite of a
lawyer wants to see them.
Ask me and I'll tell you the story about how Mike's wife was screaming
obscenities at me AND Mike at the same time, then she hung up. Was
something about the package being 1/3 of the weight I was billed for.
Rip off artist.
Norman J McSweyn n3ykf
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