[UK-CONTEST] Ecoflex 10 - Rotator loops was A3S - update

[Gavin Taylor]

Hi John,

I had Ecoflex 10 going up one of my towers (from LDF5 at top of bottom section to balun) and sadly it didn't last long. The jacket ended up with nicks in it within a few months.  Replaced with DavisRF Buryflex and been perfect for about 6 years.

I don't think its PVC jacket is very robust and would not recommend using where there may be a chance of abrasion. The Buryflex PE jacket is superb, will last a long time.

Sadly Buryflex is not sold in the UK, but DavisRF will send it economically provided you are not in a rush.

73 Gavin
GM0GAV

-----Original Message-----
From: John G3UUT <UK-Contest at grebe.plus.com>
Sender: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:43:31 
To: <uk-contest at contesting.com>
Subject: [UK-CONTEST] Ecoflex 10 - Rotator loops  was A3S - update
I am intending to replace the coax to my fixed VHF antennas with Ecoflex 
10 so was worried about the comment below about using it for rotator 
loops.  I've used it in this application portable without problems but 
it's a bit different using it for a long period in a fixed 
installation.  I'd be grateful if the people who have had experience of 
this would post their comments.

Thanks
John G3UUT

On 03/02/2012 12:57, Steve Bunting wrote:
> I got lots of messages off the list about my A3S problem – all of which
> were useful, thanks!
>
> For the record I will post a quick summary of anonymised comments:
>
> There were many reports of trap failure, almost all of which were traced
> to the joint between the trap coil and the element. Issues included
> failure due to dissimilar metal joints or loose screws/rivets.
>
> Others focused on water in connectors, failed choke baluns, especially
> if built with RG58 and also at the connection between the choke and the DE.
>
> A couple of people reported issues with the DE insulator failing and
> commented on the (un)suitability of Ecoflex 10 for rotator loops.
>
> Some systematic fault finding will certainly reveal the problem, but
> unfortunately most of that can only be done with someone at 30m+ above
> the ground.
>
> Thanks again to each of you who took the time to reply. This has
> revealed a couple of things that I would have assumed to be good (the
> insulator for example) and apols to the rest of you for the non-contest
> related item. I am sure the normal schedule will resume shortly.
>
> 73
> Steve
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