[TowerTalk] Force12 rivets

[N2TK, Tony]

Hi Barry,

At WP2Z we had just about a constant high updraft from the 900' drop-off. It
loosened the rivets on the Force 12 antennas. N6BT from Force 12 offered
this solution:
- Install rivets 120 degrees apart.
- Use 3 rows of rivets
- Offset them so no two rivets are in-line around the circumference of the
tubing.

In addition added 3' of 3/16" Dacron rope in the tips to reduce vibration
with the element tips.
This took care of the rivet loosening problem.

I use McMaster-Carr 97517A015 for most of the tubing. Where the tubing is
thicker I use 97517A020.  

73,
N2TK, Tony
 

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Barry Gross
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 9:14 AM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Force12 rivets

I'm not sure if Force12 still uses riveted construction of yagi elements.
 In any event, I just experienced my first rivet failure on my C3S (great
timing, huh?) and would like to avoid repeating this experience.  What is
the tried and true wisdom on preventing rivet failure on these antennas?

Thanks & 73,
Barry N1EU
_______________________________________________



_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk