[TowerTalk] A3WS

[Elliott Lawrence]

In the past few months I have been having problems with the traps on my
A3WS. After 2 years, both the 12M and 17M traps on one side of the
driven element developed a defect. They arc over at high power but will
take power at the 200 watt level. The plastic end cap melts so I believe
that theire is a high reistance connection at the outer end of the trap.
A closer look at the specs on the antenna show 2000w PEP or 1000w CW
maximum. So, I guess it didn't like the 1500w from my Aplha 87A! (No, I
didn't not run over the legal limit.)

I replaced the traps, kept the cw power at 1000w and now one of the new
17m traps has the same problem! Replaced it again and will see what
happens. If it happens again I probably need to look into a different
antenna.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Thanks,
Elliott WA6TLA

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