TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WV ARES BULLETIN NR 09.38 DATE: September 20, 2009
SUBJECT: A CLEAN ANTENNA IS A HAPPY ANTENNA
Have you ever purchased an antenna second handed, only to find out that it doesn't seem to work right, or the Standing Wave Ration was too high? Even after making several adjustments, according to the manufactures information it still didn't seem quite right, and the SWR was still too high.
Most antennas are installed outside where Mother Nature's environment likes rain, snow, and wind can put age on an antenna.
Maybe the antenna is just dirty. If it can be taken apart without much trouble, take it apart and clean up all the parts and elements with steel wool. When you re-assemble it, use the manufactures specifications.
You might be surprised with what a little cleaning can do.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
WV ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
WV ARES District 3 Emergency Coordinator