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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Howdy from NH....</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> I've used them for years, but they
will fail unless you do preventive maintenance. The white paint <EM><STRONG>will
</STRONG></EM>fail</FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>, depending upon wind,
pollution(dust & sand abrasion), and UV intensity. When the paint fails, the
fiberglass becomes a wick, and soaks up water! The guts inside will corrode due
to dissimilar metals... rolled brass tubing joined with steel connectors to
attaching copper loading coils. The foam used inside to keep the guts from
rattling around also absorb water, corroding the metal to which it's glued. I've
seen one antenna have the guts collapse internally due to this type of failure.
On QRZ.com I read that one (idiot?) waxxed his antenna once a year to keep the
paint in good shiny condition. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> To keep the joints from leaking,
wrapping them w/Super 33+ electrical tape will help, but guying the antenna to
keep it from flexing is the key. Side mounted to tower (+1/4wave length away)
and guyed with PVC (UV resistant, electrical conduit) to tower will keep it from
flexing in wind.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Hope it's not too late. I just re-established
myself back on the APRS sig.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Kriss - KA1GJU</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>KA1GJU-3 WX-Digipeater 100% Solar
Powered w/a 10 yr. old Diamond X-510</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>W1WQM repeater also 100% Solar and wind Powered w/a
Diamond X-510 look-a-like</FONT></DIV>
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