I agree with your observation. Over the years, any homebrew folded clones I've made, I located the drain hole near the bottom, but on the side of the element. It was done so that no water could accumulate enough to fill the tube, but not actually on the bottom like I believe you are suggesting. No element failures after several years now. I'd always heard Decibel located the hole at a low stress point, but I'm not sure I buy that. Often I put two holes - one on each, but opposing, side.
Chuck WB2EDV ----- Original Message ----- From: Dave Baughn To: [email protected] Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 11:07 AM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] DB-224 drain holes Does anyone know if there is any science behind the location of the weep holes in a DB224 element? I have had several crack at the very bottom, apparently due to freezing water inside. The hole is located on the side, an inch or two up from the bottom. Why not put it at the bottom so the water will drain? Moreover, why put it where it will let water into the bottom of the element? Dave Baughn Director of Engineering The University of Alabama Center for Public Television and Radio WVUA/WUOA-TV & WUAL/ WQPR/ WAPR FM Box 870150 195 Reese Phifer Hall, 901 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487 205.348.8622 cell 205.310.8798 NEW EMAIL [EMAIL PROTECTED]
