Hi Gain SPT500 Super Penetrator

[Smokinone]

Here's what happens to a SPT500 if both clamps are not tightened, or loosen up. Evidently the top clamp loosened up to the point the winds got hold of the radials enough to twist the whole mount. You can see the J match touching the radial ground plane elements. Needless to say the SWR is off the chart.
Bummer. Now I have to rent a lift and see if I can get it back in alignment...and tighten the clamps with some more lock tight.

 

[Ranch55]

Yep, upper and lower u-bolts need to be pretty snug.

 

[Smokinone]

It's been up quite a few years, and being the base is @20ft, it's a little difficult to re-torque the bolts without the aid of a lift.
We routinely get 20 - 40+ mph winds, and over the years I guess that top u-bolt was the weak link that evidently was also getting the most stress put on it.
We'll see how it goes, I will pick up a lift today and see if I can straighten it all out.
Overall, it's been pretty good, and I don't have to deal with weathered fiberglass Like the IMax.
We had some winds clocked at 80mph a few months back, was breaking and uprooting trees in a few areas and SPT500 held up well...except the twisting on the base.

 

[Smokinone]

Well, rented the lift, a little tightening and some lock tight green, back in business.

The plastic parts had some splitting starting to go on. For now, it'll have to do. Don't have the parts readily available so the next time I have to play with it, I'll order all the replacement parts and go through it. But for now, it's working and the SWR's are where they need to be.

Took longer to get the lift and take it back than to do the work.



The mounting bracket for this thing seems a little under built to me. It took little effort to get it straightened back into position.

 

[Ranch55]

The Super Penetrator 500 is a really good antenna.

 

[Arch Stanton]

You should order the parts now because with shipping and the economy the way it is now they might not be available when you need them.

 

[Smokinone]

You should order the parts now because with shipping and the economy the way it is now they might not be available when you need them.

That's a good idea. The only problem I have is trying to remember where I squirreled the parts when it comes to find them for use. I've got stuff scattered all over, and tend not to find what I know(think) I have. It generally takes buying the parts again to find what I was looking for.

 

[Dr_DX]

Related Question: Can someone tell me the OAL of the base assembly? Is it still 71" like the old one? Can't find the info on the net.

Thanks,
Dr_DX

 

[Smokinone]

Related Question: Can someone tell me the OAL of the base assembly? Is it still 71" like the old one? Can't find the info on the net.

Thanks,
Dr_DX

Here's both manuals. The only difference I see dimensional is the height which is lower on the current SPT500 @ old 22' 9 1/2" vs 22'

 

[freecell]

downloaded both of them and views were not recorded.

 

[Alexis Mercado]

Related Question: Can someone tell me the OAL of the base assembly? Is it still 71" like the old one? Can't find the info on the net.

Thanks,
Dr_DX

Yes it is. Here is a pic

 

[Jay Mojave]

Hy-Gain now MFJ has cheapen its products using thinner and thinner materials. Had a neighbor a few miles away break the L bracket out of the box. Bullet proof design is always best. Gave him a old 1970's mounting bracket, now all is well.

Jay in the Great Mojave Desert

 

[AudioShockwav]

I do not like the way they changed the matching wires to the cheap, soft stamped metal they are using.
We put my brothers up and the first bird that landed on the cap hat bent the wires on it.
These are not as well built as years ago.
I will keep my 10K.

73
Jeff

 

[Dr_DX]

Yes it is. Here is a pic

View attachment 48608

Thanks Alex. I figured it was the same but wanted to confirm.

Man, that mounting bracket looks really flimsy, like it is already bent.

 

[Dr_DX]

I do not like the way they changed the matching wires to the cheap, soft stamped metal they are using.
We put my brothers up and the first bird that landed on the cap hat bent the wires on it.
These are not as well built as years ago.
I will keep my 10K.

73
Jeff

I find that I have to use a shorting bar on the beta match to really fine tune the antenna on 11 meters. It is a lot more challenging with the new flat strap beta match. Also, the top hat wires on the GP appear to have been angled down (but maybe not). This would probably help with keeping the birds off.