[TowerTalk] Clicking? & F-12 antennas

[Richard Thorne]

According to Tom (don't quote me on this) in a previous note a while back, its ok
to remove the pvc insulators from the elements (except for the driven element(s) of
course) and attach them directly to the boom.

Next time my antenna's are down I will probably remove the insulators.  Theres lots
of wind here and static is a problem.  Not sure how effective it will be since the
driven element will still be insulated.

leewells@lexmark.com wrote:

> I've noticed the exact same thing with my EF-515 & EF-420/240 antennas.
> It usually happens as a storm front is approaching.  It even causes a little
> static in my TV & stereo.  I haven't turned on the rig to see how bad the
> noise is then.
>
> I went out one night when a storm was approaching and I could actually see
> arcs at the element to boom clamps.  Looks like the charge is arcing across
> the PVC insulators of the F-12 antennas.
>
> Is the arcing going to hurt anything???  Is there anyway to stop it??  It seems
> like the antennas would be nearly un-useable with the kind of noise this
> would generate.
>
>         73
>         --Lee - KT4ZX
>
> <snip>
> > ..........At various times,especially when there is lightning in
> > the area I can here a distinct clicking sound coming from the
> > tower.The sound is a intermitent-click,click and it speeds up and then
> > will quit if there is lightning in the imediate area.It then will
> > start up after a few minutes pass.Is this static electricity that is
> > building up on my tower and then discharging?Thank you.    John W9RPM
> >
>
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--
73,
Richard Thorne
Amarillo, TX
Amateur Radio Station: N5ZC (previous calls, KA2DSY, N2BHP, WB5M)



--
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