Topband: 8 element antenna - Amplifier placement

[Gary Smith]

Bob,

Thanks for the feedback on the paint.

I have been using the 3 element HI-Z array 
for several years now and although I 
understand it is not as robust as the 8 
element, it is far better than any Rx 
antenna I have used thus far. I got the 8 
element because I understand it is even 
better than the 3 element and I want that 
extra benefit.

I hope to get it all up and running in a 
couple of days. Rain today and tomorrow so 
I'm on hold but after I clear out the 
above branches over the antenna placement, 
I'll be good to go.

If you have room for the Hi-Z, whichever 
one you choose, its an excellent choice.

73,

Gary
KA1J


> Gary,
> 
> The Hi-Z's are said to be great receive ants.  Let us know how
> yours performs.
> I cant offer anything on the preamp enclosure but I can
> offer some info on the paint.
> I used Krylons Camo spray paint on two verticals and it worked
> very well.  No RF issues.
> 
> Here is the stuff:
> https://www.amazon.com/Krylon-K04293000-Camouflage-Technology-11-Ounce
> /dp/B00176UX26/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474310890&sr=8-1&keywords=krylo
> n+camo+spray+paint
> 
> Bob
> K6UJ
> 
> 
> 
> On 9/19/16 10:41 AM, Gary Smith wrote:
> > I'm so close to being done with putting
> > this together. I have all 8 antennas made
> > @ 23' each the tip section is .5" and the
> > base is .850" I'm using a 3/4" fiberglass
> > rod as an insulator
> >
> > doctorgary.net/Hi-Z-8-Pro-1.jpg
> > doctorgary.net/Hi-Z-8-Pro-2.jpg
> >
> > I am having a conundrum with the placement
> > of the enclosure for the preamp mounted at
> > each antenna and need some advice. The
> > problem is I am at sea level and the
> > antennas will be mounted in a location
> > that will possibly get a storm surge
> > during a Hurricane, it ruined my remote
> > coax switch during Sandy from this very
> > reason. The preamp does have a silicone
> > gasket but if the amp gets submerged in
> > salt water, I'm sure it will get past the
> > terminals and ruin the amp. I have no
> > alternate choice, this is the location
> > where I have to put the array.
> >
> > Seeing the photo of the end cap on the PVC
> > tubing with the zip tie holding the amp in
> > place (to protect from rain & Snow), gave
> > me an idea for the solution; At the top of
> > the PVC tube, make two opposing holes, run
> > a loose loop of thin wire through and
> > twist together. Run the coax up & over the
> > wire to hold the amp elevated inside the
> > tube, all the way to the top. Use a rubber
> > cap with radiator clamp to secure the top
> > and make it truly airtight. Now if the
> > tide water from a storm surge encroaches,
> > there will be a pocket of air inside and
> > will be unable to push high enough to
> > reach the amplifier. I tried this with a
> > Mason jar and the water did not get very
> > high in the upside down jar.
> >
> > doctorgary.net/Hi-Z-8-Pro-3.jpg
> >
> > So here's the dilemma: As a further hedge
> > against water damage assuming there are
> > strong winds making waves (they would not
> > be breakers, just waves in the marsh) at
> > this time, I'd like to raise the placement
> > of the amplifier so it would be another
> > foot higher than standard placement which
> > is on the base below the insulator. This
> > would require me to clamp the PVC on the
> > antenna instead of the base. Can anyone
> > see how this might be a problem with
> > operation?
> >
> > Also, I'd like to spray camo paint on the
> > elements so they don't stand out. When the
> > leaves come down, I'd prefer the neighbors
> > not see the elements, they're nosy enough
> > as it is. I think I remember reading a
> > layer of paint on the element shouldn't
> > cause a problem, is this correct?
> >
> > Thanks & 73,
> >
> > Gary
> > KA1J
> >
> >
> >
> > _________________
> > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
> >
> 
> _________________
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>