Joe, I agree the 224 probably handles lightning better than the fiberglass versions. I think the folded dipoles being on a mast and the mast takes most of the hit where with the fiberglass the antenna itself takes it.
I would not like to mount a fiberglass antenna on top without a top bracket. I've seen good quality new fiberglass antennas have wind static type noise on new installs due to blowing in the wind. I am sure the swaying over time takes it toll. Of course I like bottom and top mounts on all long antennas, but if top mounted is the install then the DB224 would be preferred. Thanks for you input. 73, ron, n9ee/r >From: MCH <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Date: 2008/05/07 Wed PM 02:12:33 CDT >To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com >Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: antenna question - Dip It and Scotch Kote >and Kry > >I haven't had as many problems with lightning and the fiberglass >antennas as I have with wind causing fractures in the connections >between the elements. In the case of the coasts, you have to deal with >that AND salt, so I doubt there is any good solution. > >The above said, I do believe the 224 type antennas do handle lightning >better - I didn't mean to imply that they don't. I'm only saying in >those I've seen wind is the bigger threat. In the case of a top mounted >antenna, there is no way to stabilize the top of the fiberglass antenna. > >Joe M. > >Ron Wright wrote: >> Dick, >> >> This discussion of weather proofing an antenna was started in part because I >> am replacing a 4 bay DB224 up high and near the Gulf of Mexico. We think >> the salt air got to it. We have had similar problems in the past. The >> antenna has been up for about 12 years. >> >> I was looking for a solution to the salt air. The painting issue came up >> because of this. >> >> I am replacing with a Telewave ANT150F6-2 fiberglass enclosed antenna. >> However, many have had problems with these and the Celwave or RFS Super >> Station Master with lightning. They do not handle the lightning as well as >> the DB224 due to, one reason, some use solder to hold the elements together >> inside the radome. However, mine is side mounted and hope this will not be >> a problem. The salt air is. >> >> I like the Station Master, but also like the DB224. >> >> On VHF one does not get easily 10 db gain out of a RFS Station Master, in >> fact more like 4.7 db for the 140-150 MHz antenna. The Telewave uses a >> longer fiberglass radome for its version allowing all the elements to be >> inserted. >> >> The UHF version does have higher gain, 9 db, gain. >> >> The folded dipoles allow squewing the pattern easier and more than the >> station master. About all it will allow is moving around and in/out from >> the tower. The folded dipoles are much more flexible in this issue. >> >> Lots of good responses on this. Know many learned a lot. I did. >> >> 73, ron, n9ee/r >> >> >> >> >>> Er.. uh... Excuse me, but why all this commotion about painting >>> and preserving antennas??? >>> >>> If everyone used limited range, low gain, stacked folded dipoles, >>> then maybe so, but stacked folded dipoles are a low gain limited >>> range item. >>> >>> I've seen them used in small towns with limited coverage Public >>> Safety fleets, and Local Paging, but only where limited range >>> coverage is required. >>> >>> When I worked in Mobile Radio Communications ALL Remote Base / >>> Repeater antennas were stacked coaxial antennas inside a tapered >>> Fiberglass radome (Station Master type?) and operated at DC ground, >>> with a properly grounded mount, which was realy a good lightning rod >>> as well, where there was never a problem, and at a normally 10 db >>> gain!! There are Internet aricles on building these.. >>> >>> Commercial / Public Safety fleets are normally of defined coverage >>> areas, but we hams want to talk as far as we can... which means more >>> gain, and I've never heard of anyone wanting to paint or preserve an >>> antenna, for everything was enclosed except a link cornor reflector >>> or beam antenna!!! >>> >>> Dick, W7TIO >>> >> >> >> Ron Wright, N9EE >> 727-376-6575 >> MICRO COMPUTER CONCEPTS >> Owner 146.64 repeater Tampa Bay, FL >> No tone, all are welcome. >> >> >> >> ------------------------------------ >> >> >> >> Yahoo! Groups Links >> >> >> >> >> > > Ron Wright, N9EE 727-376-6575 MICRO COMPUTER CONCEPTS Owner 146.64 repeater Tampa Bay, FL No tone, all are welcome.
