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My Big Stick

3puttbob

Member
Sep 25, 2012
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I used a Super Big Stick about 15 years ago, took everything down and now in my second childhood want to install it again. So, I dug out the Cobra 2000 and used new coax (cheap rat shack). Of course the Big Stick is fiberglass...lots of little fiberglass flakes. Anyway the SWR swung all the way to the calib. line. Looks like an open circuit. Coax checks out. I'm guessing the center wire is broken somewhere in the stick. Any suggestions? I'm heading toward a new one.
 

Use some clear spray paint/clear coat on fiberglass antenna. A single coat should be fine to keep the fiber surface together. DO NOT use regular spray paint - as it has metal particles in it! Test the antenna with a different piece of coax to be sure it the antenna is at fault and not the coax/connectors before you toss it.

Throw away the Rat Shack coax. It is 'Pure Junk' - verifiable. Get as much coax length as you need; no more or no less. Get some LMR-240 (thin stuff) or LMR-400 (thicker stuff) or pre-made RG-213 (thick stuff; military grade/quality) if you don't want to do any soldering. It comes in 25, 50, 75 & 100 ft lengths if you look around online. I don't buy cheap coax; it is a waste of time, effort, and money. Decent coax will last a decade and perform like a champ.

Sorry about the 2nd childhood.
Perhaps some Oreos and some milk will help?
 
Last edited:

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