| Author |
Message |
    
Sinker
Intermediate Member
Username: Sinker
Post Number: 157
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 13, 2005 - 5:31 pm: | 
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Checked the Tracking and looks like the new Maco V-5000 will arrive tomorrow and I hope to get it up on Saturday if weather permits.
Now I have been reading up and looks like there will be some assembly time to get it all put together.
Anything I should watch for or be careful with ???
Any TIPS or TRICKS ???
I usually only have myself here so will be assembling the antenna and putting it up on the roof myself. For me anyway this is no easy task as I am also lifting the LMR-400, Guy Ropes plus Ground Wire etc.
This brings me to the next area that may be problematic - Adjusting the SWR.
Any advice as to how I can best get the SWR right the first shot ???
Taking the antenna up and down then running in and checking the SWR time after time is not what I want to do as I will most likely end up dropping the antenna and breaking it (that would make two - the Top One and then this one). Now if I have to, I will of course do this but sure hope you all can give me a few pointers.
Tim
CEF-634 |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 7603
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, October 13, 2005 - 6:05 pm: |
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Sinker,
#1 ~ Read and Follow the Directions CAREFULLY!
#2 ~ Use PENETROX or NOALOX on ALL Metal to Metal Connections / Joints.
#3 ~ If you are going to run the Rope thru the elements run it through ONE SECTION at a time and then through the next Section BEFORE assembling the elements and it makes it much easier than trying to push that rope through the whole length of radials.
#4 ~ Have at least 1 person or more help you and MOUNT the antenna Temporally on a mast pipe and attach it to a Tall Step ladder or against the house to set the SWR.
It is VERY HARD to set the SWR by yourself running back and forth checking the radio on 1-20 and 40 and checking the SWR Meter.
The MORE HELP you have the LESS CHANCE of an accident and the Easier it will be to get it together correctly.
#5 ~ Have your COAX already made up to the Length you will need / use and Connect it to the Antenna and a Radio.
#6 ~ Take your Radio and SWR Meter Outside and use a drop cord for power and hook your coax up with NO BENDS and from your Radio and Antenna layed out to set the SWR.
#7 ~ After your SWR is set remove it from the Temporay mast and mount it on your tower or Push Up pole.
#8 ~ If you plan on using Nylon Wire ties MAKE SURE they rated / labeled for Outside Use and/or UV Resistant.
#9 ~ Run your Coax into your House and take your Radio back inside.
#10 ~ Make sure EVERYTHING IS GROUNDED via Ground Rods, ie: Antenna, Mast, Tower, Radios, Meters, Switches EVERYTHING!
#11 ~ INSTALL / USE A POLYPHASER!!!!!!
#12 ~ MOST IMPORTANT! TAKE YOUR TIME and get it Right the 1st Time.
Good Luck and keep us posted. 
Hope this helps,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Wildrat
Intermediate Member
Username: Wildrat
Post Number: 148
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 13, 2005 - 7:06 pm: |
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Sinker you need to find help from somewhere. I tried the D.I.Y. antenna install with a PDL2 and I ended up trashing a couple of elements ended up getting help after all from some of the guys on the radio. Now a days that will be difficult as there is not that many of us out there as there used to be. "Please listen don't try it by yourself, find help, this will eliminate the frustration!" Yea you might not be able to use it on Sunday, but at least you won't be waiting on repair materials.
Wildrat |
Starface
Intermediate Member
Username: Starface
Post Number: 238
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 13, 2005 - 7:35 pm: |
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Sinker, Man if I had the Gas I would drive over and give you a hand with it as your only 2 maybe 2½ hr drive away and would like to get away from here for a day anyway. I'll see what I can do and I just might be able to make it... let us know if it comes in Friday or not
Till next time
Starface CEF#476
Southeast Net Control
Auburndale,FL |
Chad
Advanced Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 501
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 9:16 am: |
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He'd probably love for you to come help him..... You might want to get rid of "the gas" first though... Beano my friend 
I couldn't leave that alone
I went to the gas station today for my Friday fill-up and bought some other items. I plopped them down on the counter and said, before I could even think the word FUEL, "I have gas too!"
The lady smirked and said "I'm sorry to hear that, you just keep it outside"
I'm still giggling inside! |
Sinker
Intermediate Member
Username: Sinker
Post Number: 160
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 10:08 am: |
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Well it will not go up this weekend.
First I need to get some PENETROX or NOALOX. Any ideas where I can pick these up? - The local Home Depot and Lowe's do not have it.
Then some more UV Guide Rope as I think I will use 20' of mast rather than 15' that will put me between 40 & 45' to feed point and 20' above roof peak as I am using a Tripod mount on top of the roof.
Got to looking at some actual pictures and did not realize how large the ground plane was (or at least looks in the pics).
Will run the 20 of mast through the top of my ladder and can make adjustments from the ladder or roof depending on where it needs to be. Hopefully this will mean I only actually have to put it up ONE TIME and will enlist some help.
For as flat as Florida is I think I am in a bad location so figure another 5' can't hurt (unless the tripod can't handle it).
Raining here today so when the box with the antenna come in I will clean up the burs etc and get it ready to go for assembly.
Thanks for all the input and keep it coming as I appreciate it all.
Thanks,
Tim
CEF-634 |
Wildrat
Intermediate Member
Username: Wildrat
Post Number: 153
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 12:33 pm: |
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Sinker, what are you using for guy rope? and if it is rope where did you get and how long do you think it will last? I'll be in your area all next week for biketoberfest. I am staying in Cocoa Beach. I had my old stepside pickup in a car show at that big chevy dealer in palmdale a couple of years ago. Don't forget the rope ?
Wildrat |
Starface
Intermediate Member
Username: Starface
Post Number: 243
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 2:31 pm: |
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Chad , I said "IF" I had "GAS" and if I did I think I could be at Sinker's in 2.5 sec flat 
Anyway Sinker If you need the help let us know.
Till next time
Starface CEF#476
Southeast Net Control
Auburndale,FL |
Sinker
Intermediate Member
Username: Sinker
Post Number: 163
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 2:56 pm: |
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I used a UV rope that is made for this purpose I guess. I will send you an email with the URL Link, also got my Tinned Copper Braid Ground Strap from them.
I still have old riding buddies who come out to Daytona every year. Unfortunately I sold all my motorcycles. My wife and I used to ride together a lot but she pretty much put hers up after having the kids so I did a lot of riding by myself. Did a GREAT tour of the California Coast Line camping along the way. |
Sinker
Intermediate Member
Username: Sinker
Post Number: 164
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 4:27 pm: |
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Well the Antenna just got here via UPS - Wonder what in the world is taking so long with the KLV. I certainly hope they are not having to completely rebuild the thing. Just send out a new one if it was in that bad of shape brand new.
Sorry just getting anxious. |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1671
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 4:54 pm: |
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take a tire mounted on a rim, a big one like 1 of your dodge's spares, bolt a 3/4" piece of plywood across the lug holes. get a threaded flange from home d & a 6-7' piece of pipe threaded to fit. mount your antenna to the pipe. if you are in the middle of yard, away from metal sheds, chain link fences, cars, etc, using a WOODEN step ladder, you should be able to adjust your SWR's perfectly, & when you mount your antenna in the air, there should be NO FURTHER ADJUSTMENTS needed.
have done this MANY MANY times over the years-when space allows-it ALWAYS works. have done stacked V-quads, jogunn 8's, moonraker, as well as maco v5/8, penetrator, astroplane, etc. |
