Now that I've ordered it,...

[KB1TPX]

Which is the most effective installation for my new MACO 103C, horizontally or vertically?
It will be approximately 30' high.
I will be using a rotor, safely grounding it and incorporating a lightening arrestor as well.
Any and all tips welcome and respected.

Mike (7732granitestate)

 

[BOOTY MONSTER]

Special Publications

 

[Moleculo]

That depends on what you want to do with it. Are you intending to use it for DX (install horizontal) or just to extend the range of local communications (install vertical)?

 

[hookedon6]

horiz..... you get away from most of the man made QRN

oh, don't forget the penatrox

 

[KB1TPX]

I want to shoot across "the pond", so horizontal it is.

 

[KB1TPX]

Acually I've now received it.

So, what's the story with putting rope inside the elements,...is that necessary?

 

[hotrod]

mount it horizonally.youll enjoy much more.too much hassle
having to turn it everytime someone different keyup.were
mounted flat ya turn were ya here dx the loudest

 

[KB1TPX]

mount it horizonally.youll enjoy much more.too much hassle
having to turn it everytime someone different keyup.were
mounted flat ya turn were ya here dx the loudest

Yeah thanks Hot Rod. Horizontal was always my first choice, but all the pictures that I see show it vertically mounted, so I thought I'd find out why. But, horizontal it is.

Mike

 

[Bionic Chicken]

The rope will keep the elements from "singing" in the wind. Without it they will make a high pitched noise as the elements vibrate. Also the vibration can tend to help the elements become more brittle with age. On a vertical antenna I install rope and then seal the top of the element with JB Weld to attach the rope firmly. Cover with one of the caps. On the bottom I leave it open and do not seal it to allow any water than might get into it to drain out. Water in an element can do and cause some strange problems. Mounting horizontal? It would seem you would need to seal the inner elements to the outer so water could not get into them that way and seal the ends.

BC

 

[KB1TPX]

The rope will keep the elements from "singing" in the wind. Without it they will make a high pitched noise as the elements vibrate. Also the vibration can tend to help the elements become more brittle with age. On a vertical antenna I install rope and then seal the top of the element with JB Weld to attach the rope firmly. Cover with one of the caps. On the bottom I leave it open and do not seal it to allow any water than might get into it to drain out. Water in an element can do and cause some strange problems. Mounting horizontal? It would seem you would need to seal the inner elements to the outer so water could not get into them that way and seal the ends.

BC

OK, I see.
How's this for an idea? Inject spray foam insulation, it's lightweight, bonding and waterproof as well.

 

[mackmobile43]

So, what's the story with putting rope inside the elements,...is that necessary?

if you add a skim of some silicone sealant it will reduce the vibration of the elements but if you just slide it into the elements it just rattles around in there as the sealant will help adhere the rope to the inner surface of the element.

It's kinda ickey but nothing some vinyl gloves won't help.

 

[555]

go down to walmart and buy a few cans of the foam sealer
openup both ends and stick the straw in as far as it will go then squirt it in until it starts to back up on up and then pull out and stick the black cap on the end of the element
if you get enough inside it will go out the other side let dry for few days then cut off what ever came out other end and replace black cap
this needs to be done while on the ground and all elements in horizontal position

this will for sure strengthen the elements and stop the singing and the elements wont slide in or slide out or even fall out over the years

 

[KB1TPX]

go down to walmart and buy a few cans of the foam sealer
openup both ends and stick the straw in as far as it will go then squirt it in until it starts to back up on up and then pull out and stick the black cap on the end of the element
if you get enough inside it will go out the other side let dry for few days then cut off what ever came out other end and replace black cap
this needs to be done while on the ground and all elements in horizontal position

this will for sure strengthen the elements and stop the singing and the elements wont slide in or slide out or even fall out over the years

Yes, that's pretty much what I meant. Thanks.