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Message |
    
Phreddiet
Junior Member
Username: Phreddiet
Post Number: 12
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - 9:29 am: | 
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Is it acceptible to repair a broken element on a beam by inserting an aluminum tube that is smaller in diameter into both of the broken pieces? Will this negatively affect the antenna performance?? Thx |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 4851
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - 12:34 pm: |
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It will work just fine as long as you do not change the length of that element.
On 6 since 66
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Moderator136
Moderator
Username: Moderator136
Post Number: 1098
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - 9:43 pm: |
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Hello Phreddiet
Yes Bruce is correct Doint change the length , And you should be ok with what your doing.
But i do have a Question for you . Inserting a smaller tube will work just fine but you should secure it someway. How are you going to do this?
Becarefull about drilling holes and putting screws in real small tubeing it will just break!
The best way in my opinion is to slit the major od (OUTSIDE TUBE) tube on both ends and insert small tube inside and put Stainless Steel hose clamp Note: Sandpaper or steelwool inside and out of both tubes and spray a antioxadent for aluminum.Car parts stores has this.) Then just put them togeather at the broke ends and light smear silicon glue over the clamp to seal water out.
It will work on 1/2 to 5/8 outside diameter tubes just fine. Larger i would suggest tig welding. Depends what grade of aluminum and thickness of the tube.
I hope i helped u Phreddiet Also welcome to the Forum.
Let us know?
Hal~Moderator136~KCØSVC
CEF#0136/CEF HAM#23 ~ CVC#0004
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Phreddiet
Junior Member
Username: Phreddiet
Post Number: 13
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2008 - 10:38 am: |
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Thanks for such a timely response.
I glued the piece inside with Lock Tight (the red - permanent seal stuff) but I had to hammer it into both sides so its in there nice and snug. I do plan on ordering a new piece of aluminum to replace this broken piece but I won't be working on that until next spring.
No, I did not change the overall length of the element. This project is for my Hy-gain 410 five element Long John. I love that old antenna and want to keep her together.
Thanks again for your advice!! |
