The problem with many of the fiberglass antennas is not their durability to the elements in some locations, but their mechanical durability. Of the antennas made within the last 15 or so years, I have not seen one that lasted more than a year or two before developing duplex noise issues due to either lightning or even the simple strong wind breaking the conntactions between the elements. This only applies to the VHF models. The UHF models still seem to last for eons.
Maybe someone should try coating a DB224 with Rhino Liner or something if those models have exposure issues. Joe M. > Nate, > > Yep 10 years is long time and mother nature really does whatever she > wants. > > I've seen good fiberglass antennas last 20 or more years in harsh > enviroments and still show much life left. > > I think anything metal or antenna elements exposed will have electrical > problems due to damage to the connections. Having inside something would > at least keep out much of this. The fiberglass radom might deterate some, > but the electrical elements would still be intact. Of course if there is > leakage then the elements can get inside and do damage. > > I am deffinitly not thinking of one of the Ham ventage antennas for their > fiberglass is little more than paper, hi. > > 73, ron, n9ee/r > > > > >>From: Nate Duehr <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>Date: 2007/09/01 Sat PM 01:19:52 CDT >>To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com >>Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Wal Mart effect makes it to the >> Communications Hard (feed)-Line industry > >> >>Ron Wright wrote: >> >>> When I replace my DB224 I am going to a SuperStation Master fiber glass >>> pole. It is obvious the exposed dipoles have a survival problem in >>> this salt air. >> >>Have you looked at the heavy-duty Sinclair folded-dipoles? They seem >>better built than the DB's. >> >>10 years is starting to push it with just about any antenna we've used, >>though -- some make it longer, but the elements are mean to everything. >> >>Nate WY0X >> > > > Ron Wright, N9EE > 727-376-6575 > MICRO COMPUTER CONCEPTS > Owner 146.64 repeater Tampa Bay, FL > No tone, all are welcome. > > > > > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > >
