Paul, I have a DB224 at 1175 ft above ground 1/2 mile from the Gulf of Mexico here in FL. Put up in 1996 and it is having serious problems, 2:1 SWR on the ground. Think it is the salt air. The connections, on antenna and connectors, were coated and sealed before install. Other services with exposed dipoles have had the same problem here.
We have same antennas about 5 miles from the Gulf that last for years although none past 20 years. Have seen about 5 of these replaced recently, most VHF. When I replace my DB224 I am going to a SuperStation Master fiber glass pole. It is obvious the exposed dipoles have a survival problem in this salt air. I know what you mean about the fiber poles and lightning due to the soldering connections. If top mounted would be reluctant, but have seen these last over 20 years and still had plenty of life in them in some harsh enviorments. I like the DB224 with it squeeing of the pattern, but exposed dipoles can have problems. Same with towers up north with ice falling off a tower. 73, ron, n9ee/r >From: Paul Finch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Date: 2007/08/31 Fri PM 04:38:16 CDT >To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com >Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Wal Mart effect makes it to the Communications >Hard (feed)-Line industry > > >If aluminum were banned from most sitesthere would not be many systems on the >air. Itâs only when dissimilarmetals are joined that you have a problem >and thatâs a very easy fix. Imay think twice about using a aluminum >antenna in a high humidity/salt areathese days but I doubt it. Way to many >DB Products out there that are workingwell and stand up a lot better to >lightning than fiberglass radome antennas do. You just have to know how to >prepare the aluminum antennas before putting themin the air. I know if a >DB-410 that I put in the air in 1975, it was used whenI got it. Itâs still >in service today and working well. > >I have several DB style folded dipoleantennas on my commercial sites without >any problems. > >Paul > > >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]:[EMAIL PROTECTED] OnBehalf Of Jeff Condit >Sent: Friday, August 31, 200711:04 AM >To:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com >Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder]Wal Mart effect makes it to the Communications >Hard (feed)-Line industry > >Yes, aluminum corrodes very rapidly and goes from being agood conductor to >being a terrible one. FOr this reason very specialprecautions must be taken >in the preparation of connections to it andprotection form anything that would >compromise it over time (such as moistureor contamination). > > >----- Original Message ----- >From: DCFluX >To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com >Sent: Friday, August 31,2007 8:18 AM >Subject: Re:[Repeater-Builder] Wal Mart effect makes it to the Communications >Hard(feed)-Line industry > >Correctme if I'm wrong, but when Aluminum oxidizes doesn't it become >non-conductive? Which I believe is the reason it is baned from most >sites? size=2 width="100%" align=center> >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG. >Version: 7.5.484 / Virus Database: 269.13.0/980 - Release Date: 8/30/2007 >6:05PM > >You can find it on ebaY > > >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG Free Edition. >Version: 7.5.484 / Virus Database: 269.13.0/980 - Release Date: 8/30/2007 6:05 >PM > > >No virus found in this outgoing message. >Checked by AVG Free Edition. >Version: 7.5.484 / Virus Database: 269.13.0/980 - Release Date: 8/30/2007 6:05 >PM > >You can find it on ebaY Ron Wright, N9EE 727-376-6575 MICRO COMPUTER CONCEPTS Owner 146.64 repeater Tampa Bay, FL No tone, all are welcome.
