Steve, I have similar poor soil (e.g., rock) conditions at my QTH in south-central New Mexico. While excavating the foundation for my second tower I hit a very solid layer at only 18 inches that requ
Steve, You're on the right track! Not dumb questions at all. The Polyphaser Web site could be a little more informative regarding instructions and product descriptions. TK-x series is the correct par
Can't say that I have tried that, but it sounds like it would accomplish the same thing. Just takes two parts instead of the one TK- clamp. A little conductive paste on the copper strap probably woul
The CDR model TR-44 uses terminals 1 thru 7 only. Connect controller terminal 1 to rotator terminal 1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3, etc. There are number identifiers for each screw on the terminal strips. They're
Several LP filters are reviewed in the August 2002 QST (but not Ameco). Response curves, insertion loss, and other specs were measured in the ARRL lab and compared to manufacturer published specs. Wa
The instructions for my vintage 40 ft. Wilson telescoping, tilt-over tower clearly show that the base is mounted to the 3/4 in. anchor bolts with nuts above and below the base plate *without washers*
I have a 250 ft. (+/-) cable run to a TR-44 rotator. The spec says 1 Ohm max cable resistance for "proper operation". 19/29 stranding 16 gauge satisfies this requirement at 250 ft. Can anyone recomme
I had my builder install a Leviton model 51120-1 whole-house surge protector. It mounts on the wall next to the service panel. It features L-L and L-N protection based on MOVs and has two diagnostic
The best practice is to ground the coax shield at both the top and bottom of the tower. The procedure you described is essentially how it is done. Polyphaser makes kits for doing this very task. Furt
Attach a copper Single Point Ground (SPG) panel to wall studs before the dry wall is installed. Have your electrician run the house ground wire near the SPG panel and behind an access hole so you can
I don't believe one could ever implement too much protection lightning protection. At a minimum I recommend the following: Tie all three grounding points together with low-impedance copper, either 1-
I installed a rectangular copper bar on the wall in the shack and ran copper braid between it and the respective ground lugs on each piece of station equipment. The bar may have grounding posts on it
Can't speak to all of your requirements, but most seem to be met by the Icom R75 receiver: < Under $700 price; current production product < RS-232 controllable (RS-232 port is std. in addition to the
I installed an aluminum 30 ft. freestanding Universal Tower for VHF and UHF antennas and am very satisfied with it. It assembled together well and has been trouble-free. See: http://universaltowers.c