[Antennas] Hustler Vertical antenna info?

[Charles Greene]

At 03:43 PM 2/27/2002 +0000, Phil Atchley wrote:

Hello Phil,

I also have a Hustler 6 BTV and about 3 years ago, the 15 meter trap 
developed a crack in a connector and I had to replace it.  I had to retune 
that trap, but that was because I replaced it and the cover was not the 
same as the others.  Then I retuned the entire antenna for the CW band but 
I didn't have to touch the trap tuning.  Also, I never had a problem with 
the joints slipping.  You can make a pencil mark around all the joints to 
see if it stays there.  One thing that can go bad is the 80 meter trap or 
stub and that will throw the whole thing out of tune, about like what you 
are describing.  In particular the resonance on 40 is down around 6.7 MHz 
without the 80 meter trap.  Recheck it to see it in making good contact.  I 
had good results talking with tech support at Newtronics  who markets the 
Hustler line.  I have a number, 1-877-944-9499 jotted on the antenna 
instructions which may be their number.  Mine is over 20 years old and I 
have had to replace the base, the 80 meter trap and the 15 meter trap each 
once.  All failures were due to material fatigue as the antenna sways back 
in forth in the frequent strong winds we have here; mine is not guyed.

>Hello
>I have a Hustler 6BTV vertical that was put up a little over 2 years ago and
>performed flawlessly for a couple years.  (it is over  > 1000 Sq/ft of
>sheetmetal roof/awning.)  The unit was guyed (per Hustlers instructions) at
>the 20M trap, especially as we get some good winds here.  I used some Nylon
>Twine as the guys, it is still holding well so it didn't "sun rot".
>
>It has since developed problems, high SWR's Especially on bands below 20M
>and I suspect that the outer sleeve on the 20M trap 'may' have slipped down
>some from the constant downward  pressure of the guys, detuning the trap.
>(the various tubing sections were all secured against slipping by SETSCREWS
>after it was tuned).  Does this sound feasable?  While up there I intend to
>replace all the coax from antenna to the antenna switch in the shack as
>insurance.  (I use RG8X as I don't run any 'power' over about 100W maximum).
>I want to do EVERYTHING in one trip to the roof as I don't want to walk on
>the mobile roof more than needed.  My wife says she can tell exactly where I
>am by looking at the ceiling  sag 8^(
>
>My present (best) SWR's are (Taken with a friends MFJ Analyzer)
>29.7   2.0 (10M is about as it was, I didn't wish to cut tubing)
>28.0   1.3
>21.3   2.0 (never had a really good SWR but was much better)
>14.35 1.8
>14.1   1.4   (Was tuned to Phone band)
>10.15 2.0   (Was 1.5 at 10.1MHz)
>10.0   1.2
>7.1     2.0   (was tuned to 7050)
>6.97   1.3
>3.67   2.4   (was 1.4 at 3.908 net freq)
>
>If the trap is detuned, any hints on getting that sleeve in the right spot
>again?  I don't have a grid dip meter.  Also, I never had to tune a trap
>before, how critical are these Hustler traps.  Any ideas?
>
>73 de Phil  KO6BB
>Loving home provided for wayward Boatanchor Receivers
>ko6bb@elite.net
>Merced, Central California
>37.18N 120.29W CM97sh

73, Chas, W1CG