Base IMAX 2000 maintenance ...

[Klondike Mike]

I was forced to do some maintenance on my IMAX 2000 installation. Earlier high winds had unscrewed the top section and threw it to the ground. It was stuck in the ground like a javelin. Fortunately and amazingly no damage was done.

I cleaned up the threads and reattached. I have a bottle of Loctite that I wanted to apply to the threads but go figure, I couldn't find it.

While the antenna was down, I used some automotive cleaners and wax on the fiberglass portions. This antenna has been up for 10 years and in good shape.

Hopefully, I'll get another 10 years out of her.

 

[wjm1129]

Nail polish works as a thread locker also.

 

[Klondike Mike]

Nail polish works as a thread locker also.

Well ... that was unexpected. I wasn't expecting to learn anything from this post. Nail polish, as well as Teflon tape I have since learned. I have both here and was obviously unaware it could have been used. I will have three choices next time I'm looking for that LocTite bottle. Thanks.

 

[338_MtRushmore]

I've always gone the opposite direction and used no ox id, and torqued her tight. My A99 was up for a few years and I barely got one of the sections loose when I took it down. I dont recall the details but I swore it was going to break.

I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing I put a teflon insulator at an antenna joint, even though I'm sure it would still make contact.

 

[Justme]

Painted mine in 2 coats of boat grade polyester paint, the couplings were fully taped in self amalgamating tape so they cannot unscrew.
Same for the plug selfamalgamating tape keeps the water out, check little hole in the bottom if it is still free to let condensation water out of the bottom section.
The old imax surrvived 17 years through all nature could throw at it, top section broke off becuse the fiber delaminated hence my painting of the new one should last a long time now.

 

[Klondike Mike]

... check little hole in the bottom if it is still free to let condensation water out of the bottom section.

Good tip. Should be part of any maintenance check ... which I forgot about. I can access mine without having to do any de-installation. One advantage to a low installation.

 

[Marconi]

I think the following is something to consider.

I see the possible problem with this hole in the bottom of the Imax and A99...is when and if it gets stopped-up.

The next issue is the hole is open, like it should be, but some folks sealed-up the bottom of the antenna...hoping to keep rain water out of the SO239, and doing this could also cover up the hole and forcing the water to flow straight into the connector and then into the feed line.

Just be careful how you protect the connector.

 

[Blackcat630]

I agree. I have always used coax seal on my outside connections but on the Imax I have been very careful to use just enough to get the job done. Try to make sure you don't push a bunch up into the bottom of the antenna clogging the drain hole.

 

[Justme]

Reason i also drilles a 2 mm hole on the side in 45 degres up just where the connector flange is pressed in the Imax, and sprayed some white grease in the bottom that will keep moisture from entering the plug.
That way there are 2 open weep holes, once a year i'm on the roof for check ups on the antenna;s and these get checked if they are still open.
I have some good thin self amagamating tape the old imax after 17 years looked as new when it came down under the tape, had that same second hole drilled and white grease injected there no water in the coax after 17 years on the roof
Spraycan of white grease and reed does wonders keeping the innards of the plug free for water entering the plug and coax.
With 2 weepholes there is much less chance one will clog up.
with 45 degrees drilling up water can only get out.

 

[357magnum]

K Mike , I thought that stuff only happened to me ? I let the dog out one Am , there was the top section , lying on the ground unscrewed from the wind . But Guess what .... ? I found my Loctite ! Hopefully it won't happen again . Stay healthy & safe ! 73 & God Bless ! Leo

 

[M0GVZ]

Mine looked like that after being laid on the floor in the garden for a decade. A quick clean up and check over for splits in the fibreglass and it was good to go again. I put on a set of fresh spring washers between each section as the old ones had gone well rusty.

 

[Klondike Mike]

... I put on a set of fresh spring washers between each section as the old ones had gone well rusty.

Something to consider if one lives near salt water. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Klondike Mike]

K Mike , I thought that stuff only happened to me ? I let the dog out one Am , there was the top section , lying on the ground unscrewed from the wind .

Seems like a common occurrence with these antennas.