Long Tower Saga update:
2 out of 3 woofs (I'm guessing). The Saturday tower fairy came out and we were able to accomplish much more work on the tower project! We now have a rotor that turns the antennas from the shack!
We still have a little bit of work to do in the tri-band A3S. Because I'm new to tower work, I prioritized things a little backwards. I got the antenna assembled and up (while the help was in town), before I checked the swr, and it is a little off. I also tried not to crimp the antenna boom with the u-bolts, and they are loose enough to sway a little. So...there is still some work to be done, but I have the rotor system up and working.
The SWR Readings as I show with the Amazon nano vna:
20m 14.000-14.350
SWR 3.77-2.61 wedge shape (high to low)
15m 21.000-21.450
SWR 3.45-3.68 slight wedge shape (low to high)
10m 28.000-29.700
SWR 1.13-1.75 (slight wave shape)
My plan is to suspend the antenna from above on the mast pole, unbolt the antenna from the mast, and rotate it to 90° so that I can reach the loose elements. I'm thinking to address the swr problems, I'll extend the tips of the of the reflector and driven element 1/2" and re- mount everything and check the results.
I'm open to suggestions if anyone is forthcoming with knowledge/technique or experience with a cushcraft A3S and tuning it a little.
73