[TowerTalk] Caps (was: Hose Clamps)

[Grant Saviers]

Today, I took down a A4S, original Cushcraft.  The 2"  x 18' boom was 
filled with water, probably nearly full.  The antenna was way over the 
spec 37 lb weight.  All elements and the boom had end caps.  
Interestingly, the last 30 days at my San Jose QTH were unusually dry, 
less than 0.5 in of rain. The antenna was up about 8 years and is in 
good shape except slop in the boom to element stamped aluminum saddles 
which I will replace with something better.  Unfortunately,  birds also 
thought it was a great antenna.

btw this 50 acre ranch QTH is for sale, spectacular views and elevations 
from the east of San Jose, CA foothills.
http://www.serenogroup.com/14800-MT-HAMILTON-RD-San-Jose-CA~l4392986

Grant KZ1W


On 2/1/2013 7:49 AM, john at kk9a.com wrote:
> Certainly it is possible for an insect nest to close off a tube however a
> PVC end cap will definitely seal the end and possibly trap moisture.
> Usually the ends of the elements and boom are the lowest points of the
> antenna so it could be full of water. Somehow my previous post on what I
> do with my homebrew antennas caused mostly criticism. I know that Telrex
> did not supply end caps with the products that I purchased from them years
> ago and they built heavy duty antennas. I am not sure what other
> manufacture's do. This is my last comment on this subject.
>
> John KK9A
>
>
> To:	 <TOWERTALK at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Caps (was: Hose Clamps)
> From:	 "Patrick Greenlee" <patrick_g at windstream.net>
> Date:	 Fri, 1 Feb 2013 07:58:10 -0600
>
> Here in Oklahoma we have insects we call "Mud Daubers" (look like wasps)
> that tend to close off most any openings they encounter with mud which
> dries to a good seal. Unfortunately, the holes most often closed are
> ones best left open such as ventilation for motors, furnace flues, and
> on and on but antennas are sometimes targeted.
>
> Patrick AF5CK
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Jerry Gardner
> Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2013 4:47 PM
> To: john at kk9a.com
> Cc: TOWERTALK at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Caps (was: Hose Clamps)
>
> On Thu, Jan 31, 2013 at 2:35 PM, <john at kk9a.com> wrote:
>
> I do not put caps on any of my antenna elements or booms. I have never
> had
> an issue from using nothing and I don't have to worry about moisture
> accumulating.
>
>
> What about spiders and other assorted bugs?
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>