[Towertalk] RE: HyGain 155CA and 105CA assembly problem

[Jim Idelson]

Hi everyone,

I've been receiving mail on this all day! Well, thanks to all who responded. 
This has clearly been a problem for many HyGain owners. I heard from people 
who've had this kind of trouble with TH-7, TH-11 and the monobanders. So, this 
one deserves a complete listing of all the solutions.

First, note that some HyGain antennas have been supplied with tubing that is 
slotted only on one side. Also, the hose clamps supplied are a bit large for 
the smaller diameter element sections. Here are the suggestions I received:

1.   Cut the second slot into the end of the element section.
2.   Replace the clamps with better quality clamps.
2.   Place the hose clamp as close to the end of the section as possible.
3.   Oil the hose clamp liberally, and it will be possible to tighten it about 
20% more.
4.   Use two hose clamps.
5.   Use smaller hose clamps with a narrower band - they seem to work better in 
the smaller diameter application.
6.   Add a self-tapping screw to secure the sections in place.
7.   Use a rivet through one side.
8.   Use a rivet through the whole element.
9.   Use a bolt through the whole element secured with a locknut.
10. Do all of the above.

In considering whether to cut the extra slot, one person warned that the swaged 
section is already a weak point, so cutting a second slot might make it an even 
more likely point of failure.

I just replaced a few of the clamps with some spares by a different 
manufacturer, and I found that they can be tightened up a lot more. I think 
I'll replace the clamps that won't tighten enough and see if things improve, 
and then I like the self-tapping screw idea, if necessary. That's easy.

Thanks again for all the help.

73,

Jim Idelson K1IR
email    k1ir@designet.com
web    http://www.designet.com/k1ir

---------- Forwarded Message ----------

FROM:      Jim Idelson <k1ir@designet.com>
TO:      TowerTalk Post <towertalk@contesting.com>, YCCC <yccc@yccc.org>
DATE:      Tue, 17 Sep 2002 11:24:06 -0400

RE:      HyGain 115CA and 105CA assembly problem

This is strange. I'm assembling these antennas and I've found that the supplied 
hose clamps don't clamp down tightly enough on the slotted tubing. In some 
cases, the screw in the clamp actually lets go before its tight enough to hold 
the inner piece of tubing in place.

Have you seen this before? What have you done? Cut a bigger slot in the outer 
tubing? Should I drill and rivet? No wonder people have trouble with the tips 
falling out of these elements.

These antennas are about four-five years old, but they're being assembled for 
the first time. I bought them from a guy who never found a way to put them up.

Your immediate suggestions appreciated. Hope to have these things on the tower 
today or tomorrow.

73,

Jim Idelson K1IR
email    k1ir@designet.com
web    http://www.designet.com/k1ir