I did a brief test (a few minutes each) on the remaining 7 dipoles 
from the noisy SD2352 array. The only way I know to see if they are 
noisy in duplex service is to stick them on the repeater and see 
what happens. I used a weak signal radiated into the dipole under 
test for audible indication of noise, switching the transmitter on 
and off to compare.

The one dipole on the tower continues to run perfectly noise free 
even with higher than normal power, so I'll call that one good.

Of the remaining 7, all were absolutely noise free at a typical 
power level of 50 watts into the antenna. At 200 watts (which I use 
only for testing to see if I have any extra margin), 5 of them were 
noise free and 2 showed just a bit, maybe 1 to 2 dB. I did not have 
time to reassemble the entire thing and test it again. That will 
have to be a project for another day.

I must decide whether to take a chance on using some of these 
dipoles and building my own harness to make a 4-bay in-line array or 
scrap the whole thing and buy another antenna. The first option is 
much cheaper but if it doesn't work it would end up being money 
thrown away.

Paul N1BUG

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