[TowerTalk] KLM?

[Cqtestk4xs at aol.com]

Bob
 
I probably have more KLM antennas than anyone I know........17 of them for  
HF. In addition I also have four more KT34XAs on the ground that  need to go up 
in a stack.  I have often wondered why they have been called  'keep loosing 
metal'. I have never lost any of the elements from the KT 34XAs or  the 10 or 
15 meter 6 elements...other than when I battered them when installing  them.  
The same is true of the four 5 element 20 meter and the two 4  element 40 meter 
monos I have.
 
The main problem has been from the center insulator.  I have probably  lost 
four of the center insulators from fatigue.  I busted a few during  
installation mishaps...no fault of KLM.
 
Considering I have had the antennas for 15 years or longer, I feel  that's a 
pretty good record.  I think the problem that others have had with  the center 
insulators going bad is a combination of cold (which isn't a problem  is FL) 
making the material brittle, and over-tightening of the bolts and  nuts.
 
Good luck with the rehabs on the antennas.
 
Bill K4XS......looking for a 4 el 40 to rehab!