[RVRC] Regarding a DB-224 - 2 meter antenna - Fw: RESPONSE from a Repeater Director in Tennessee

[HLong]

Webs Form ResponseTo All Member:

I came across an impressive repeater site in Tennessee (link below) and noted that their DB-224 antenna was heli-arc welded.  I think our antenna is a similar DB product?  I posed a question to the director of their repeater about the idea and here is the response...

It may be worth considering if our antenna has what he describes....

73  Hank  N2MU    ...-.-    ..




----- Original Message ----- 
From: David Maniscalco 
To: hmlong at ix.netcom.com 
Sent: Monday, October 18, 2010 10:17 AM
Subject: RESPONSE


Hello Henry,
I have fixed up a few DB-224 antenna's thru the years the main thing is for a repeater is all the parts of the antenna need to be rigid! nothing loose. what happens on the older antennas is the rivet that holds the loop on becomes loose so you need to heli-ark weld all the elements at that joint, even if it isn't loose yet it will get that way in time! Then i would wrap the joints with a weather seal. If you have any older antennas that does not have molded ends on the harness where it attaches to the antenna elements you should buy a new harness and change it out! Those antennas are the only real lightning proof antennas around! I am not sure why yours devoloped corrosion around the joints so fast, is there a nearby chemical plant or industry? 
My son lives in Knoxville, Tenn. and is a welder he can fix those elements for you!
dave
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  Sent: Friday, October 15, 2010 7:53 PM
  Subject: Webs.com: FORM RESPONSE



              Your Site Address: http://lacomberepeater.webs.com/
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              The following form has been submitted from your website lacomberepeater: 

              --------------- Form Response ---------------

              01 - Your Name<br> = Henry M. Long
              02 - Callsign = N2MU
              03 - Your Email Address<br> = hmlong at ix.netcom.com
              04 - Comments or constructive criticism <br> = To David Wb5ZLR 
              I came across your web site describing the repeater system and noted the accolades given to your son for "heli-arc welding a DB-224 antenna back to life." 

              I am a member of a local repeater club (RVRC) in NJ, which has some similarity to your impressive repeater network, We have a 3 year old DB-224 antenna which developed corrosion problems in the assembly joints. I suggested to the club that after cleaning it up and adjusting it electrically, we could weld the antenna joints instead of trying to use vapor-wrap, upon reinstallation. 

              My question to you.. Is this what you did to maximize the maintenance free longevity of the antenna installation on the tower? Do you recommend that we weld the joints or did you do something else to resurrect your DB-224 antenna? 

              Your technical response would be appreciated, as I will report it to the club members. 

              Thanks for your consideration. 
              73 Hank N2MU .-.- .. 




              Message ID: 62603031 

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