Nat,
I just finished assembling a C31-XR and was very impressed with the
construction and ease in which it was assembled. The tubing for each element
was bundled together with tape and each connection on the tubing was marked
with a marker so there was no guessing where each element connected. However I
did have to drill three or four element holes larger to allow all three rivets
to go in as one, and in some cases two holes would align but the third one
would be just slightly off not allowing the rivet to be installed. Nothing
major however, but I was under the impression each antenna was assembled before
shipping and that could not have happened on my antenna. It is the best ham
antenna product I have ever purchased, in fact, I just received a C-3 that I
will be assembling in preparation to shipping it to the North Cook Islands for
this years CQ WW SSB contest. Enjoy yours.
73,
Roger, W7VV
N2TK wrote:
> Nat, highly recommend that you put in all 3 rivets before using the rivet
> tool. This way you know for sure that you have the right pieces together. I
> use the chair method as an easy way to rivet the elements. I put in all 3
> rivets then use one hand to place the rivet tool on each rivet and pop.
>
> Tony
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
> [mailto:owner-towertalk@contesting.com]On Behalf Of WD4K
> Sent: Friday, February 23, 2001 12:31 PM
> To: dhearn@ix.netcom.com; Nat Davis; towertalk@contesting.com
> Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] F-12 C3S assembly hints?
>
> HI Nat, I have 2 C31's that have been relocated and I have assembled them 4
> times:) Lot of rivets!! I found the EASY way -get a comfortable chair and a
> table in front with element bundles, parts, rivets etc. Have one support
> (chair, sawhorse etc) on each side of the chair out an appropriate distance
> and height. Place the pieces to be riveted in your lap, supported by the
> supports. The suggestion to measure twice and check first is right if in
> doubt. Then- Put the rivet in the gun, insert in the proper hole-go! Do the
> boom first and put in a nearby location for element assembly. Place each
> assembled element in order as it is finished on or next to the boom. When
> all elements are done, do the el/boom measuring, tightening and feed
> systems. Usually takes me about 2-3 hours to do a C31 now, so it isn't a
> major ordeal at all. DOUBLE CHECK all measurements, rivets etc when
> completely finished.
> I hear that is a great antenna. GL 73, Tommy WD4K
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
> [mailto:owner-towertalk@contesting.com]On Behalf Of dan hearn
> Sent: Friday, February 23, 2001 9:32 AM
> To: Nat Davis; towertalk@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] F-12 C3S assembly hints?
>
> Hi Nat: I have built a couple of F12 antennas and learned a bit from the
> experience. It is not easy to hold the element pieces together and
> operate the rivet setting tool. You need at least 3 hands and preferably
> 4 to do the job right. There are a lot of rivets to set.
> One person can do it easily if you clamp the lower handle of the rivet
> tool in a bench vise. You can hold the tubes in one hand and operate the
> rivet tool with the other. If your vise can be rotated, You can aim it
> over your work bench. A few lumber scraps stacked on the benchtop to the
> height of the rivet tool will support the tubing horizontally and make
> the job even easier.
> The boom to mast plates on my beams have 5 bolts with the 5th one
> above the others. I put an extra long bolt in the top hole. This allows
> me to remove the other 4 bolts and tilt the beam for tuning or
> maintenance.
>
> 73, Dan, N5AR
>
> Nat Davis wrote:
> >
> > I have ordered a Force-12 C3S and have been told that it will ship from
> the
> > factory this coming Monday. With that in mind, does anyone have any
> > suggestions, hints, tips, practical experience on assembling this antenna
> > that I could benefit from -- before I start to put mine together :-)
> >
> > Many thanks.
> >
> > Nat Davis
> > N4EL
> >
> > --
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> > Problems: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
>
> --
> FAQ on WWW: http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
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> Administrative requests: towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
> Problems: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
>
> --
> FAQ on WWW: http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
> Submissions: towertalk@contesting.com
> Administrative requests: towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
> Problems: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
>
> --
> FAQ on WWW: http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
> Submissions: towertalk@contesting.com
> Administrative requests: towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
> Problems: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
--
FAQ on WWW: http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
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Problems: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
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