At 08:38 AM 9/27/98 -0500, you wrote:
Hi Allan!
Since I live in a similar climate as you (just North of Omaha,
Nebraska) I thought I'd give you my non-technical "views" on your dilemma.
ANY antenna that has been up for 18 years is probably in need of
some maintenance. How about some new, low-loss coax? I have found that *if*
it is going to fail, it will at the most unopportune time <G>! The KLM KT34A
& XA are both wonderful antennas and built to withstand the riggors of
Midwestern winters for the most part. Although I have not experienced any of
the Force12 antennas personally, they seem to be built to bend and flex in
the same climate as opposed to simply resisting bending and flexing. Which
is better?? Only time will tell. I do know that I had a KT34XA up for three
such winters here and only had one small problem with it (one of the screws
through the element mounting band worked loose and the element went into the
vertical plane!) The XA performed like gang-busters! BUT after reading the
results of Steve K7LXC's "HF Antenna Performance Test Methods and Results" I
would seriously take a look at some of the newer designed Force12 antennas!!
I think you'd be amazed at their performance as compared to the XA and others!!
I wish you well in your quest!
Chuck K0TVD
>I am very interested in putting up one either a Force 12 C-31 XR or a
>KLM-34XA.
>
>I presently use a KLM 34-A. It has been up 18 years and now the 15 meter
>elements are getting moisture probably from degeneration of the end caps.
>It has been a great antenna, hardly droops when loaded with ice, great swr,
>etc.
>
>Some would say - if it ain't broke don't fix it - but - it is 18 years
>later and I should see what else is out there. Also being near Chicago in
>the black hole I could use all the antenna I can have.
>
>I wonder about swr, ice load survival, PERFORMANCE, etc.
>
>I will appreciate any assistance and will report the results if there is
>interest.
>
>Thanks, 73, Allan N9AT
>
>
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