I have a folded dipole VHF base antenna, think it is a Sinclair, all cabling is in the insiade, non exposed.
I think this antenna is about 16 years old. What should I be concerned with it wanting to use again ?
Appears the internal coax can be removed and replaced.
Thanks.
Base Antenna Life Expectancy
Moderator: Queue Moderator
Re: Base Antenna Life Expectancy
Not to be vague but it depends. What kind of environment was it in in it's former life? If it's had some lightening strikes, if the insulation is cracked, has abrasions or tears then replace the harness. Inspect it & sweep it and see if it meets manufactures specs. If it is in good physical & electrical shape then it's probably okay.
If it is going up high on a tower where it will cost you a bunch of money to have the tower climbed to replace it if it fails then you should probably replace it with something new before it is put up. It would be a shame to pay a crew to put up an old antenna with an unknown or developing problem and then have to buy a new antenna & pay them again to swap it out. Often "Penny wise, pound foolish" has an application in radio.
If it is going up high on a tower where it will cost you a bunch of money to have the tower climbed to replace it if it fails then you should probably replace it with something new before it is put up. It would be a shame to pay a crew to put up an old antenna with an unknown or developing problem and then have to buy a new antenna & pay them again to swap it out. Often "Penny wise, pound foolish" has an application in radio.
Wyrd bið ful ãræd, Fate is inexorable...
Re: Base Antenna Life Expectancy
^^ what he said.
Are you on the coast? Saltwater exposure will destroy many antennas. Top of the tallest tower around? Lots of lightning hits. On a "popular" tower with frequent climbers? Loops and mounts may be bent/damaged/destroyed. Been on a 20' mast as a base radio? Probably just fine.
Inspect it physically and electrically... if it passes, evaluate the cost and pain-in-the-arse level of replacing it, along with the criticality of the antenna. Then make your decision.
Are you on the coast? Saltwater exposure will destroy many antennas. Top of the tallest tower around? Lots of lightning hits. On a "popular" tower with frequent climbers? Loops and mounts may be bent/damaged/destroyed. Been on a 20' mast as a base radio? Probably just fine.
Inspect it physically and electrically... if it passes, evaluate the cost and pain-in-the-arse level of replacing it, along with the criticality of the antenna. Then make your decision.