[Hi-zreceivingarraydiscussions] Idea for weatherproofing amps

[David Raymond]

Even gasketed enclosures are a problem.  Unless they are pressurized (like 
air Heliax), you still have problems with condensation.  Leaving an 
opportunity for some air flow is a better approach than air tight.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "contact" <contact at hizantennas.com>
To: "Hi-Z Receiving Array Discussions" 
<hi-zreceivingarraydiscussions at hizantennas.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 5:33 PM
Subject: Re: [Hi-zreceivingarraydiscussions] Idea for weatherproofing amps


> Dave,
>
> Good going.  Unless one uses a gasketed enclosure, moisture accumulation 
> is a problem, unless there is a way for the accumulation to be removed or 
> released.
>
> Dick  KO7N
>
> Hi-Z Antennas(tm)
>
> On 3/23/2011 3:00 PM, David Raymond wrote:
>> I put up an 8 circle-narrow 160m array early last December.  I was in a 
>> quandary as to how to weatherproof the amps at the antenna elements. 
>> Being pressed for time and having a snowstorm bearing down on me, I 
>> wrapped the amps in plastic grocery bags and secured the mess with tape. 
>> And it was a mess but it kept things dry, or so I thought.  I had not 
>> given consideration to condensation.  Cal, W0IZL, mentioned to me that he 
>> used the same approach and had experienced enough condensation problems 
>> that a couple of his amp boxes had to have work.  I felt more pressed to 
>> find a more permanent, suitable solution that would allow for air 
>> circulation.
>>
>> In my pondering as to how to approach a more permanent solution, I put 
>> the amps inside of 4" PVC with caps on top and leaving the bottom open. 
>> I was just going to strap the PVC to the side of my mounting pipes and 
>> bring the antenna and ground wires in through small holes in the side of 
>> the PVC.  In my discussions with Toni, N0NI, he suggested drilling a hole 
>> in the pipe cap and sliding the antenna element (in my case, 1" aluminum) 
>> through the cap with a piece of 4" PVC attached to it.  I cut the 4" PVC 
>> in 15" length and put an assembly together to try.  It works quite well. 
>> The PVC cap rests on the screw which passes through the 1" aluminum 
>> elements and secures the antenna wire to it.  I sealed the hole in the 
>> PVC cap around the aluminum passing through it with liquid tape.  The PVC 
>> pipe covers the amp and associated wiring.  I did drill the hole in the 
>> cap somewhat off center to allow a little extra room for the amp which 
>> was is tie wrapped to the side of my steel "U" type 4' fence post.  Now 
>> that I've tried one and am pleased I'll be finishing up the other seven 
>> elements in a similar manner tomorrow (if we don't get rain or snow).
>>
>> 73. . .Dave
>> W0FLS
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>
>
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