[TowerTalk] When a Yagi Loses an Element

[Cqtestk4xs@aol.com]

Ah, the residual damages from the hurricanes continue to mount.  The latest 
casualty is is real problem.  The 4 el 40 meter KLM lost it's reflector in a 
severe windstorm form a squall line that came through last night.  The two 
clamps that held it in place broke, which could explain why it was beginning to 
look a little off kilter the last few weeks.

Fixing it will be a problem.  The reflector did no sustain any non-repairable 
damage from its fall from 200 feet.  However, getting the element back in 
place is a challenge.  The antenna is now very nose heavy and once the U-bolts 
are loosened, the front end will make a nose dive straight down into the guys 
wires.  I had this problem with the 5 el 20 meter KLM at 200 ft last fall after 
it lost its reflector and damn near lost the antenna.  There is no way to 
reach the end of the boom to attach any counterweight to it to balance it.

I am not even up to figuring out how to get the element back out on the end 
of the boom yet.  The antenna is mounted in a traditional fashion on a flat-top 
Rohn 55 with no other antennas below it.

Ideas, other than getting a crane or other budget busting ideas?

Bill K4XS