This may fall into the "Locking the barn after the horse has been stole"
department, but whenever possible it is better to test an antenna at a
low height first, using the coax that will be used in the final install.
Even if you just stick it up on a fence post in the back yard and
run the coax into the window, to confirm all is well. before putting it
up in the sky.
Not always practical for every type of antenna and every installation,
but whenever possible you are better off finding such problems before
the final installation.
73, Steve KW3A
On 7/12/2014 11:43 AM, Dr. Ronald E. Milliman wrote:
> A number of excellent questions and answers have been posed regarding my
> antenna problems. Howard #3 confirmed what I thought about the DC impedance
> measurement I should get across the SO239 connector of the Balun, and that
> is very useful information. The other question a few of you have asked is
> were the PL259 connectors put on by the cable supplier or by one of the guys
> helping me put my antennas up, and all of the PL259's were put on by one of
> the fellows that were helping me. They should have been double checked with
> a Volt/ohm meter after they were put on, but they weren't. The fellow who
> took charge of the project was in a hurry because he had some serious
> plumbing problems at his house, and his wife and daughter were home with the
> water completely turned off, and so, I think he cut some corners that are
> showing up in the results. One lesson I have learned is that if I had it all
> to do over again, I would have settled for the telescoping mast approach
> instead of the water pipe. If all goes smoothly with no problems, the water
> pipe is great and actually better in terms of durability than the
> telescoping mast, but if everything does not go smoothly, and you have to
> take it down to make adjustments or changes, then, the telescoping mast is
> infinitely easier to get up and to take back down. I share this information
> because we have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of telescoping
> masts verses water pipe on this list before, and so, this current experience
> of mine contributes to that issue.
>
> Ron, K8HSY
>
>
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