Assembling Cushcraft A3S tri-band beam (tower project part 5)

[@cidcolead1115]

2 out of box failures for NOS (2004) A3S taken from storage. Issue was shorted trap turns. Learned to test each one with antenna analyzer (mfj) before assembly. Also using the Jet Lube now after some big box store version of No-Lox caused issues. Much pleased with DXE support.

[@StuntProgrammer]

Roger that! I'm sure folks will appreciate this information. I plan to pull my A3S down when the weather cools off a little and go through it. I'll take a good look at the traps while I have it apart!

[@PapasDino]

Know this is probably after the fact but if it hasn't gone up yet you may want to consider using No-Lox or another product for the aluminum to aluminum joints and hardware. I learned recently from Tim K3LR, COO of DX Engineering, who has LOTS of aluminum in the air that the best thing to use for slathering on the elements and hardware is Jet Lube SS-30. I've used that at all my ground rod connections but never thought of using it on the aluminum interfaces and hardware. Anyway, just a thought...can't wait to hear about how it works up in the air! 73 - Dino KLØS

[@StuntProgrammer]

That's good to know. I actually hope to pull it down this spring to replace one of the brackets that was pretty crooked from the factory and hunt for what seems to be an intermittent connection. I heard on the Internet (so take this with a grain of salt) that sometimes the connections inside the traps aren't real tight 😲 It plays pretty well so far, but I do see SWR variation sometimes, especially when it's windy. Glad I turned out not to be afraid of heights 😉