At 02:24 PM 2/1/2008, you wrote: >Hi Steve, > > > >The Diamond and Comet antennas will probably only last one or two >seasons in your weather! I could write two pages of faults in >construction on these brands. Just not build sturdy enough. They don't >last long here in Michigan. I am in the Detroit area.
<---Of course, YMMV. I used a Diamond X3000 at the 10,000' level on Mt. Haleakala on Maui for many years with no problems (believe it or not, lots of ice buildup and 80+ MPH winds during the winter is quite common. I was running a Diamond F22 on a UHF repeater for several years as well with no problems here in Oregon. I am now using a Diamond X510 with likewise great results. The secret is to not trust their o-ring seals and use some of that weatherproof goop on the joints. In my case, I also use a fiberglass arm at the 15' point (side mounted on a 160' tower) of the antenna's radome for additional support. Diamond antenna are great for long term repeater use IF you do some minor mods as above. And they perform like all get out to boot! Ken (my 2 cents) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ President and CTO - Arcom Communications Makers of repeater controllers and accessories. http://www.arcomcontrollers.com/ Authorized Dealers for Kenwood and Telewave and we offer complete repeater packages! AH6LE/R - IRLP Node 3000 http://www.irlp.net "We don't just make 'em. We use 'em!"
