[TowerTalk] Evaluating a Mosley TA-33 for purchase

[Larry WA9VRH]

Hi Derek,

I have the same TA-33 Jr that I bought in probably 1971 or so. I upgraded it
to an MP-33 (meaning that it has the high power radiator coils) about three
years later. Today it is still in the air over the home QTH. It has been
cleaned up with scotch bright a few times but still performs like new.
Unless the traps look damaged or smell burnt I would not be afraid of it.
73 Larry WA9VRH


----- Original Message -----
From: "Derek Cohn/WB0TUA" <vibroplex at mindspring.com>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 6:55 PM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Evaluating a Mosley TA-33 for purchase


Hi Everyone,

I'm going to look at a Mosley TA-33 this weekend.  The beam has been stored
for 15 years so it's condition is unknown.  The best I know is that it "was
working before we took it down".

I have never purchased a beam before.  I'm an organizer of a Field Day group
in St. Louis, MO and the guys want to try a beam this year.  I'm going to
see the TA-33 in hopes that we can use it for Field Day.  I guess there is a
possiblity that it could one day hover over my house but, at this time,
we're looking at it for an occasional annual use and then store it in the
attic above my garage.

My understanding is that the traps on older Mosley beams can be troublesome.
I have heard that the coil forms can degrade over time and cause the trap to
function improperly.  I'm hoping to get some tips for evaluating this beam,
especially the traps when I go look at it.

I know that replacement parts are available from Mosley but I also hear that
they are so high priced that it's not practical to replace major assemblies
like the traps.

Can someone suggest what the frequent failure points are for this antenna
that should be examined.  Any method for evaluating the traps other than
visually?

Thanks for any help you guys can give me!

73,

Derek Cohn
Morse Telegraph Club - Alton Chapter
Office UD, Sine DJ
Amateur Radio Station - WBØTUA
1969 Brunswick M274A5 Mechanical Mule
_______________________________________________



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