How well will a Ringo Ranger AR-2B perform w/o the radial kit?

[Turbo T]

Long story short, I was trying to erect my AR-2B today when it fell over, breaking 2 of the 3 radials. It also bent the top part. I did do an SWR check after the radials were removed and the top re bent back. The SWR's are 1.2:1 on 144.000 and 148.000 and a 1.7 SWR on 146.000. I did notice I am having trouble hitting a repeater about 62 miles away, but I can still sometimes get into it. How important are those radials?

 

[WR0220]

Did you mean the ARX-2B? The AR-2B doesn't require radials.

If it is the ARX the radials are important and required for proper tuning and performance. A quick search shows a part number for the radials of 082970. You might be able to get replacements through MFJ/Cushcraft. Another option would be to purchase some aluminum tubing and make your own. The measurements in the instruction manual show them being .25" X 20.5".

 

[Turbo T]

Yep ARX2B.....typo.

I think I might just re-thread the opposite ends of the radials unless there's something that says I can't.

What do the radials serve as? A counterpoise?

 

[W5LZ]

Actually, those radials serve more as a "line isolator" than counterpoise.
- 'Doc

 

[RatsoW8]

Actually, those radials serve more as a "line isolator" than counterpoise.
- 'Doc

Exactly...and if the match is still good and you can hit a repeater 62 miles away then the antenna ia fine. If your worried about it then find some way ro replace the missing radials. I'd just leave it as is.

 

[Turbo T]

Thanks. I think I'm just going to cut some threads on the other end of the radio and put them in.

I tried looking up a line insulator, but didn't find what I was looking for.

 

[RatsoW8]

Thanks. I think I'm just going to cut some threads on the other end of the radio and put them in.

I tried looking up a line insulator, but didn't find what I was looking for.

It's "line isolator".

 

[Beetle]

Thanks. I think I'm just going to cut some threads on the other end of the radio and put them in.

I tried looking up a line insulator, but didn't find what I was looking for.

Be careful about cutting threads on ANY side of a radio!

 

[WR0220]

Thanks. I think I'm just going to cut some threads on the other end of the radio and put them in.

I tried looking up a line insulator, but didn't find what I was looking for.

A line isolator uncouples your signal from the feedline to prevent it from radiating. The MFJ-915 is an example of an rf isolator.

Be careful about cutting threads on ANY side of a radio!

LOL...I think he meant radial...not radio

 

[Turbo T]

Yes I meant radial, not radio. Sorry for the typo.

Which was to no aval...the shop I work at didn't have the right tap and die set for me to cut new threads. Bummer.

And thanks for the MFJ link. That kind of helped me understand a little better.