Not excessive power. It is the high RF voltage at the end of the 15 relative to the 40. I had two elevated radials burn off when they contacted another wire in huge winds during CQWW one year. And you need enough tension on the wires that they cannot flutter far enough in the wind to touch.
Interested problems, certainly a head scratcher. I was thinking if the elements had corrosion inside (under the jacket) that would increase the resistance of the wire itself and in the areas of the wire with corrosion it would act like a load, it would explain why the funny SWR readings and explain the arcing. Just some thoughts watching your videos, great videos put together very well.
Good video. How long had the DX Commander been there prior to the problem? We fly into JAX to visit our northern Florida family. Next time I will wave to you. 73 de KI5HXM from north Texas.
Andy, I only run 1500w PEP max. I think that the wind caught the elements while I was transmitting and it arc'd over. This didn't happened overnight because I saw some wire corrosion where it was fused together.
Good job.. Just keep the tension on the wires - and seal up the ends of the elements to stop water getting in.. Love ya! Bye for now :)
Not excessive power. It is the high RF voltage at the end of the 15 relative to the 40. I had two elevated radials burn off when they contacted another wire in huge winds during CQWW one year. And you need enough tension on the wires that they cannot flutter far enough in the wind to touch.
Well that explains it. Thank you for the feedback to the group.
Good job, Capt. Darren! No wonder Callam calls for tension on the elements.
This.
Good job Captain Darren. I liked how you made this video. Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Many thanks, just experimenting with visuals.
Interested problems, certainly a head scratcher.
I was thinking if the elements had corrosion inside (under the jacket) that would increase the resistance of the wire itself and in the areas of the wire with corrosion it would act like a load, it would explain why the funny SWR readings and explain the arcing.
Just some thoughts watching your videos, great videos put together very well.
The wire elements flexing in the wind is bound to happen. If it were me I'd put another insulated plate holder to help keep the wires from shooting
Definitely not enough tension on your elements.
Good video. How long had the DX Commander been there prior to the problem? We fly into JAX to visit our northern Florida family. Next time I will wave to you. 73 de KI5HXM from north Texas.
Its been there for over a year now.
to much power??
my guess is loose elements in the wind while TX at high power. He also said he routed the 17m element too close and corrected it.
About 1500 watts PEP max.
WoW Darren how much power must be 2kw at lest good to see its repeated brother I try and contact you now 73 de 2e0ree
Andy, I only run 1500w PEP max. I think that the wind caught the elements while I was transmitting and it arc'd over. This didn't happened overnight because I saw some wire corrosion where it was fused together.
Only 1500w...😢