[TowerTalk] Element straightness

[Blair S Balden]

 Hi Bob,
I put up a used Cushcraft 10-4CD beam a little over a year ago.  After getting it assembled and before putting it up, I had it laying in the back yard.  My daughter's dog got it's line tangled up in the beam, and bent the reflector back (away from the driven element) on one side.  I straightened it up some before putting it on the tower, but it's still noticeably bent.  It seems to work great, just as expected.  From what I can tell there is no effect on the pattern, as I get the expected results when I point it.  SWR bandwidth is as expected.  So, I wouldn't worry about it.  It should be fine.
Blair, NP2F
 

----- Original Message -----
From: AD5VJ Bob <rtnmi at sbcglobal.net>
Date: Monday, November 9, 2009 9:10 pm
Subject: [TowerTalk] Element straightness

> I am reading a thread after searching the archives from 1998 that 
> is talking about the straightening, leveling of elements. Some
> good information here and is being absorbed, thanks to all.
> 
> I originally was searching for a different answer:
> 
> I have a TH6DXX and have just assembled it and it is laying on 
> three fiberglass chairs out in the back yard. It is not new, but
> used. I have noticed after preliminary construction of all parts 
> that the end most reflector mounting bracket is bent such that the
> reflector ends bend in towards the front of the beam. It is as 
> though someone after assembling it placed it on its end and rocked it
> back and forth or something.
> 
> Do I need to buy a new bracket (diminished F/B?), it is not 
> apparent that any mechanical soundness has been lost in the 
> structure of
> the bracket, in other words is looks as strong as the others, it 
> is just bent forward whereby the ends of the reflector comes angled
> forward about 4 inches at each end somehow.
> 
> Just worried about the specs taking a hit as a result.
> 
> Bob AD5VJ
> 
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