[Yaesu] Somewhat O.T.: UHV-4 antenna failure # 2: Who else is using this antenna?

Thu, 7 Aug 2003 19:50:04 -0400

Greetings all,

I'm posting this here because it might be of interest to those who own (or
are considering buying) the FT-8900.

For those of you who are using the UHV-4 antenna (or considering buying
one), I wanted to pass along that I've just experienced my 2nd failure of
the base loading coil within a month.  (less than that actually, since I was
on vacation for 2 weeks... but I digress).

The problem seems to be that the base loading coil and the tilt-over
assembly separate at the threads (they are joined by a brass coupling which
is threaded on both ends) and breaks the solder connection between the coil
and the tilt over assembly.  I've already received one warranty replacement
from Comet and I intend to contact them again first thing tomorrow to get
another replacement on the way.  I really like this antenna, but obviously
this part of the engineering needs some rework.  (For those of you who are
familiar with the antenna, I think the problem with the assembly separating
could be solved by placing a setscrew through the black plastic material at
the top of the base into the brass coupler.  In fact, I'm going to suggest
that they implement some sort of similar fix to prevent this problem from
recurring.)

For what it's worth, I'm sure my antenna has not struck anything to cause
this damage, and it's only been mounted on the truck since Monday.  It's
simply a matter of vibration breaking things loose.  (I tried Lock-tite on
my first base assembly with no luck.)

I know that Rob Neff (N7ORY) had experienced a similar failure, since he's
the one who originally posted this problem on the  FT-8900 reflector and let
me know that it was covered by warranty.  I've posted some of my past email
traffic below, just for info.

Has anyone else been having this trouble with the UHV-4, or are Rob and I
just the lucky ones?  I'd like to get a headcount of how many of you are
using this antenna and who's had problems with them.

73 to all,

Mike
KG8L

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Besemer (KG8L/4) [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2003 7:31 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: [YaesuFT-8900] Re: UHV-4 failure

All,

For what it's worth, I contacted NCG today too and they are also replacing
my base assembly.  Apparently they are aware they have a problem with the
way some of the earlier units were assembled and are willing to make it
right.  I guess it's hard to fault them for that... I just hope that the
next one holds together a bit better.

73 to all,

Mike
KG8L
  -----Original Message-----
  From: Rob Neff [mailto:[email protected]]
  Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 10:06 PM
  To: [email protected]
  Subject: RE: [YaesuFT-8900] Re: UHV-4 failure

  Here you go:

  Mick Stwertnik
  NCG Company
  [email protected]
  714.630.4541

  -----Original Message-----
  From: Mike Besemer (KG8L/4) [mailto:[email protected]]
  Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 7:58 PM
  To: [email protected]
  Subject: RE: [YaesuFT-8900] Re: UHV-4 failure

  Rob,

  I think I may have a similar issue with my antenna.  Who were you in
  touch
  with that's replacing the base section under warranty?