Bringing the beam down tomorrow for repair and adjustment

[RodinKy]

Here's the stats on swr on my Jo Gunn. Nothing but the swr meter in between the radio and antenna. Using a DX 2517, Low Power setting was 3 watts and High Power setting was 20 Watts.

Channel 1/ LP 1.5 HP 1.9

Channel 40/ LP 1.9 HP 2.4

Going to try adjusting the gamma match first and I'm also going to extend the mounting pole so the beam is clear of the tower and rotor. If anyone can think of anything else I should do while the antenna is on the ground please let me know. Thanks.

[MDYoungblood]

How did it go?

3's

Greg

[ Post made via iPhone ]

[RodinKy]

Didn't go well, broke an element going back up, ordered a Maco Comet got it together and my assistants let it get hung on a limb and bent an element on the reflector element and now the SWR is crazy on channels above 30. Regrouping with some new plans for the entire setup. Maybe I'll get it right one of these days.

[MDYoungblood]

I understand the problems with lowering and raising an antenna, everyone helping needs all their ducks in a row. Maybe next time you might want to rent a lift if you have a rental shop close, locally they go for around $200 a day (the type that tows behind your vehicle) and it will get you up 45ft. While your at it get rid of those branches that are a problem too.



3's

Greg

[TrblShooter]

I understand the problems with lowering and raising an antenna, everyone helping needs all their ducks in a row. Maybe next time you might want to rent a lift if you have a rental shop close, locally they go for around $200 a day (the type that tows behind your vehicle) and it will get you up 45ft. While your at it get rid of those branches that are a problem too.



3's

Greg

Those cherry pickers are great.. The rental place not to far from me has 35 feet and a 55 foot one.. I have used the 35 footer twice, they drop it off and pick it back up for me because I do not have a tow hitch on my vehicle. I think they charged me $250 for 4 hrs or so.. Great piece of equipment and easy to operate...

[RodinKy]

Got the beam down, parts replaced and SWR to an acceptable level. Going to move the tower to give me more clearance from the trees. Also had limbs trimmed when the guy with the bucket truck took the antenna down. Still a work in progress. If you get a Maco Comet be prepared to do a lot of adjusting to get the SWR correct, their initial measurements are not even close. Their antenna specialist didn't mention that you should also shorten the director element after shortening the driven element. The gamma matches do not have a great amount of effect on the SWR. It seems element length is the biggest factor.

[MDYoungblood]

Yes the measurements are confusing and you'll need to do a little math. Some use the measurements, (I for one), from the 103/108 beam, those will work on the dual polarity beam as well for the driven and director elements, the reflector wire spread is always the same (9' 6").

3's

Greg

[RodinKy]

Thanks Greg, where do I get the measurements you mentioned, I would like to check mine before it goes back up. Thanks.

[MDYoungblood]

The measurements are in the Maco 3 element to 8 element beam instructions, here is the 3 element since that is basically the Comet.
http://www.macoantennas.net/f ... C_2011.pdf , on page 7.

3's

Greg

[RodinKy]

I realized what you were referring too the minute I pushed the submit button, had a senior moment, thanks.

[RodinKy]

Beam is back where it belongs, SWR is really good and I'm a happy camper, thanks to all who offered encouragement and help

[MDYoungblood]

Cool, glad it all worked out. Did you end up with it built as designed or did you flip the vertical gamma to the top? Get a chance snap a pic and post it.

3's

Greg

[RodinKy]

Greg, I put it up as designed, will try and get some pics posted sometime soon. Everything appears to be working fine. Thanks.

[RodinKy]

Here's a pic of the Maco Comet. The only way that things coming down again is by mother nature.