[Hi-zreceivingarraydiscussions] Idea for weatherproofing amps

[David Raymond]

Jacques. . .I don't have any pictures right now but will be taking some. 
73. . . Dave, W0FLS
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jacques RAMBAUD" <f6bki at orange.fr>
To: "Hi-Z Receiving Array Discussions" 
<hi-zreceivingarraydiscussions at hizantennas.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2011 1:43 AM
Subject: Re: [Hi-zreceivingarraydiscussions] Idea for weatherproofing amps


> Hello all , Dave , any pictures available ?? Thank you
> 73
> Jacques F6BKI
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "David Raymond" <daraymond at iowatelecom.net>
> To: "Hi-Z" <hi-zreceivingarraydiscussions at hizantennas.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 10:00 PM
> Subject: [Hi-zreceivingarraydiscussions] Idea for weatherproofing amps
>
>
>>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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