[TowerTalk] DXE 8 element Circle array problem Update

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

Update:

First of all Thanks the the DXE and Rod for the extensive help.

The problem appears to be located inside the main relay unit.  L2 the RF 
Choke is discolored and starts to smoke with 12v applied. I found two 
feed line cables where the braid was most likely shorting the center 
conductor and one cable that had been chewed on by rodents.  I am very 
happy to see no major lightning damage.

Lesson here is triple check all your feed lines and phasing lines to 
make sure that none of the braid has shorted the center conductor or 
there are any loose pieces of braid around the center conductor 
especially with the sticky flooded cable.

The main unit is being returned to DXE for repair.

I still need to check out each active element to make sure they are 
working properly and are all providing the same output to the main unit 
when it comes back.

Also another word of warning watch the wiring at the controller and at 
the relay unit.  Connectors are wired backwards from each other.

W0MU


On 11/7/2016 11:49 AM, Tim Duffy wrote:
> Hi Mike
>
> We have lots of experience with sorting out issues.
>
> Give us a call and we can help you. We will also respond to your email
> questions as you posted below.
>
> 73
> Tim K3LR
> DX Engineering
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of W0MU
> Mike Fatchett
> Sent: Monday, November 07, 2016 12:01 PM
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] DXE 8 element Circle array problem
>
> My array is not working in the NE/SW directions.
>
> I found one of my cables had been chewed on by voles.  I replaced it.
> No change.
>
> I checked all the cable to make sure that the center had not pulled back.
>
> I have voltage on all four antennas.  two show about 4.5 VDC and 2 show
> about 1.4VDC.  I believe this is what I should see as I checked other
> directions and saw similar voltage readings.
>
> I did find some braid that was inside one of the connectors that could
> have been shorting out that element.  No change when fixed.
>
> I suspect that I have one or more bad active antenna units.
>
> I have not taken the main array cover off in the field nor have I taken
> any of the active antenna units apart.
>
> I suppose the best way to check each antenna element would be to hook
> each one up individually and make sure that they can receive a local
> broadcast station and the levels are similar.
>
> Am I on the right track here or have I missed something more obvious?
>
> W0MU
>
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