Western PA, and Stationmasters, Superstationmasters, and clones made by
several other companies. The best built was made by Telewave, but still
had the same problem after some time. All were top mounted, so
supporting the top of the antenna was not an option. I've seen it on
several dozens of them. There is a 'small' multinational tower company
in my area who uses nothing but dipole antennas for the same reliability
reasons.
Yes, stationmasters are more numerous than the others, but how many are
on repeaters? In my area, most PS systems are not full duplex. This is
duplex noise, so it won't show on half duplex or simplex systems. It
also won't show on UHF. Apparently, they give more in the wind. I can't
say I've seen the same problem on a single UHF stationmaster. Of all the
stationmasters used in my area, probably less than 2% are on VHF
repeaters. In fact, in one county near me, EVERY VHF repeater in the
entire county with a stationmaster has had this problem (all were top
mounted, FYI). If you replace it with another, they are problem free for
6 months to a year, then develop the same problem again.
Of course, just because something is popular doesn't make it the best.
Joe M.
Daron J. Wilson wrote:
>
>
> > And if it's for a VHF repeater, stay away from the fiberglass
> antennas.
> > They develop cracks that create a ton of duplex noise. The elements
> are
> > too long to flex in the wind, and they create cracks at the solder
> > joints.
>
> Uh...Not sure where you are or what you are using, but out west here I
> see about 10 VHF fiberglass verticals installed on sites for every one
> folded dipole. Not that it makes it right, but that's what I see out
> there. There are nice products to stabilize the top of the antenna if
> you are side mounting, which is probably a good idea if you are
> concerned about movement of the antenna. I've had exposed aluminum
> collinear antennas create noise on duplex as well, never dealt with
> enough exposed aluminum ones to know their failure spots :)
>
> The antenna is certainly not an area to skimp if you want it to survive.
> You'll get lots of opinions here, keep in mind that is just what they
> are, my opinion is based on what I've used, replaced, repaired,
> troubleshot and continue to buy.
>
> Good Luck :)
>
> N7HQR
> Daron
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
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