Tests and operational report of a GAP Titan - Versionsgeschichte

Dl8rds: /* Storm experience */

2008-03-01T11:23:33Z

‎Storm experience

Dl8rds am 1. März 2008 um 11:22 Uhr

2008-03-01T11:22:58Z

Dl8rds am 1. März 2008 um 11:22 Uhr

2008-03-01T11:22:04Z

Dl8rds am 3. Dezember 2007 um 00:50 Uhr

2007-12-03T00:50:58Z

Dl8rds am 3. Dezember 2007 um 00:44 Uhr

2007-12-03T00:44:35Z

Dl8rds: /* Mechanical */

2007-11-22T18:03:06Z

‎Mechanical

Dl8rds am 13. November 2007 um 04:12 Uhr

2007-11-13T04:12:19Z

Dl8rds am 13. November 2007 um 03:45 Uhr

2007-11-13T03:45:48Z

Dl8rds am 13. November 2007 um 03:31 Uhr

2007-11-13T03:31:33Z

Dl8rds am 13. November 2007 um 03:30 Uhr

2007-11-13T03:30:48Z

@@ Zeile 33: / Zeile 33: @@
 === Storm experience ===
-* March 1st 2008, Storm EMMA: With wind speeds in gusts of 60 kts my TITAN has suffered no damages at all.
+* March 1st 2008, Storm EMMA: With wind speeds in gusts of 70 kts my TITAN has suffered no damages at all.
 == Electrical ==

@@ Zeile 15: / Zeile 15: @@
 The TITAN is an overall 7.50 meters high, measured on overall length, from the base tube to the upper cap. The lower segment is a double-wall tube, making the aluminium a little more sturdy. I have fixed the guying ropes on the GAP isolator with the steel clamp that comes with the guying kit. Since this is a mechanically below the upper section, I have come to notice that the upper section waggles in the wind a little. But I don't deem it critical since the wind resistance is rather small anyway. On the long (years) run one might consider if the GAP will be worn out a little. Yet, if the TITAN serves me for 10 years, I will be content to buy some spare parts. anyway.
 ===Counterpoise Sqare===
@@ Zeile 34: / Zeile 31: @@
 It also seems recommendable to attach some duct tape in order to keep the screews from dropping out. WAØSXV operates it in a rough environment in New Mexico and has reported of such occurrences after several years of operation.
 == Electrical ==

← Nächstältere Version		Version vom 1. März 2008, 11:22 Uhr
Zeile 15:		Zeile 15:

	The TITAN is an overall 7.50 meters high, measured on overall length, from the base tube to the upper cap. The lower segment is a double-wall tube, making the aluminium a little more sturdy. I have fixed the guying ropes on the GAP isolator with the steel clamp that comes with the guying kit. Since this is a mechanically below the upper section, I have come to notice that the upper section waggles in the wind a little. But I don't deem it critical since the wind resistance is rather small anyway. On the long (years) run one might consider if the GAP will be worn out a little. Yet, if the TITAN serves me for 10 years, I will be content to buy some spare parts. anyway.		The TITAN is an overall 7.50 meters high, measured on overall length, from the base tube to the upper cap. The lower segment is a double-wall tube, making the aluminium a little more sturdy. I have fixed the guying ropes on the GAP isolator with the steel clamp that comes with the guying kit. Since this is a mechanically below the upper section, I have come to notice that the upper section waggles in the wind a little. But I don't deem it critical since the wind resistance is rather small anyway. On the long (years) run one might consider if the GAP will be worn out a little. Yet, if the TITAN serves me for 10 years, I will be content to buy some spare parts. anyway.
		+
		+	== Storm experience ==
		+	* March 1st 2008, Storm EMMA: With wind speeds in gusts of 60 kts my TITAN has suffered no damages at all.

	===Counterpoise Sqare===		===Counterpoise Sqare===

@@ Zeile 36: / Zeile 36: @@
 http://www.njqrp.org/data/gap.html
 == Operational ==
@@ Zeile 44: / Zeile 49: @@
 * conductivity of the soil
 * nearby buildings casting radio shadows

← Nächstältere Version		Version vom 3. Dezember 2007, 00:44 Uhr
Zeile 33:		Zeile 33:

	== Electrical ==		== Electrical ==
		+	Here's an excellent description of how the TITAN works:

−	In a ~~few weeks (as of December 07)~~ you ~~will find~~ a ~~detailed~~ report ~~on its performance.~~	+	http://www.njqrp.org/data/gap.html
		+
		+	== Operational ==
		+
		+	Well, the problem here is to find a method which can yield reliable results. There are many factors which can influence test results. I want top point out that any change in these conditions may produce different results. If you plan to set up a TITAN at your site, you may report different experiences!
		+
		+	* surrounding metal devices such as water drainages or aluminium veggie houses or garden fences
		+	* conductivity of the soil
		+	* nearby buildings casting radio shadows

@@ Zeile 28: / Zeile 28: @@
 The antenna has an overall weight of 12 kilograms, so it can easily be set up by one single person. Nevertheless, it is a matter of safety to have a second person to screw the mounting brackets down to the pole.
 As for the guying, consider the navigators' [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palstek bowline knot (Palstek)]. It is extremely reliable and navigators have no reservations mooring their valuable ships with this kind of knot.
 == Electrical ==
 In a few weeks (as of December 07) you will find a detailed report on its performance.

← Nächstältere Version		Version vom 13. November 2007, 04:12 Uhr
Zeile 1:		Zeile 1:
	[[Image:GAP_Titan_Skizze.jpg\|right]] The [[GAP TITAN]] is my new HF antenna. According to the manufacturer, it has resonnances on 8 shortwave bands. Only on 80m it does not cover the entire band.		[[Image:GAP_Titan_Skizze.jpg\|right]] The [[GAP TITAN]] is my new HF antenna. According to the manufacturer, it has resonnances on 8 shortwave bands. Only on 80m it does not cover the entire band.
		+
		+	== Legal ==
		+	There are general regulations (federal state laws) saying that no building may be erected without permission if it is heigher than 10 meters or if ot encloses more than 10 cubic meters, both measured from ground up. These preconditions are all met with a standard mounting of a GAP TITAN. If you plan to mount it on a roof or on a mast, please contact your local construction authorities (Baubehörde).
		+
		+	This might be a reasonable step anyway, since there might be construction style regulations (Bebauungsplan). Such a set of local regulations might exist to preserve the general appearance of a historic neighbourhood and define limitations such as maximum construction heights. It will not be harmful anyway to send a letter to your local construction authorities and ask for permission. Simply attach the manufacturer's construction manual which you are going to download from the internet. And attach a map of your neighbourhood where you indicate the position where you plan to erect the antenna.
		+
		+	If you should receive a negative answer, the reply must indicate legal reasons for the denial and you still have the possibility to file an appeal (Einspruch einlegen). Most officials will be open to a discussion to help you out anyway.
		+
		+	I did so, and our mayor informed me that there were no indications whatsoever that would prohibit erecting such an antenna.
		+
		+	Please note that objections due to electromagnetic radiation are not related to the question whether you may erect an antenna or not. Figure out, you are just using it for receiving signals! Instead, such questions are related to operation, and that's a different field.

	== Mechanical ==		== Mechanical ==

@@ Zeile 2: / Zeile 2: @@
 == Mechanical ==
 The TITAN is an overall 7.50 meters high, measured on overall length, from the base tube to the upper cap. The lower segment is a double-wall tube, making the aluminium a little more sturdy. I have fixed the guying ropes on the GAP isolator with the steel clamp that comes with the guying kit. Since this is a mechanically below the upper section, I have come to notice that the upper section waggles in the wind a little. But I don't deem it critical since the wind resistance is rather small anyway. On the long (years) run one might consider if the GAP will be worn out a little. Yet, if the TITAN serves me for 10 years, I will be content to buy some spare parts. anyway.
 The counterpoise square has a corner to corner diameter of little more than 4 meters. The aluminium rods have a really small diameter. Especially in central Europe, where we have experienced ice storms in the recent years, this kind of construction is very risky. Since the antenna has been devised in Florida, the manufacturers may not have thought of such a strain. It may stand a hurricane quite decently, but heavy icicles at the end will dead certain bend the tubes down, eventually cracking them off.
 As a result, I would suggest to secure the rods to the main mast above, or simply unmount the counterpoise sqare during the winter.
 == Electrical ==
 In a few weeks (as of December 07) you will find a detailed report on its performance.

← Nächstältere Version		Version vom 13. November 2007, 03:31 Uhr
Zeile 1:		Zeile 1:
−	The [[GAP TITAN]] is my new HF antenna. According to the manufacturer, it has resonnances on 8 shortwave bands. Only on 80m it does not cover the entire band.	+	[[Image:GAP_Titan_Skizze.jpg\|right]] The [[GAP TITAN]] is my new HF antenna. According to the manufacturer, it has resonnances on 8 shortwave bands. Only on 80m it does not cover the entire band.

	== Mechanical ==		== Mechanical ==

← Nächstältere Version		Version vom 13. November 2007, 03:30 Uhr
Zeile 1:		Zeile 1:
	The [[GAP TITAN]] is my new HF antenna. According to the manufacturer, it has resonnances on 8 shortwave bands. Only on 80m it does not cover the entire band.		The [[GAP TITAN]] is my new HF antenna. According to the manufacturer, it has resonnances on 8 shortwave bands. Only on 80m it does not cover the entire band.
		+
		+	== Mechanical ==
		+	The TITAN is an overall 7.50 meters high, measured on overall length, from the base tube to the upper cap. The lower segment is a double-wall tube, making the aluminium a little more sturdy. I have fixed the guying ropes on the GAP isolator with the steel clamp that comes with the guying kit. Since this is a mechanically below the upper section, I have come to notice that the upper section waggles in the wind a little. But I don't deem it critical since the wind resistance is rather small anyway. On the long (years) run one might consider if the GAP will be worn out a little. Yet, if the TITAN serves me for 10 years, I will be content to buy some spare parts. anyway.
		+
		+	The counterpoise square has a corner to corner diameter of little more than 4 meters. The aluminium rods have a really small diameter. Especially in central Europe, where we have experienced ice storms in the recent years, this kind of construction is very risky. Since the antenna has been devised in Florida, the manufacturers may not have thought of such a strain. It may stand a hurricane quite decently, but heavy icicles at the end will dead certain bend the tubes down, eventually cracking them off.
		+
		+	As a result, I would suggest to secure the rods to the main mast above, or simply unmount the counterpoise sqare during the winter.
		+
		+	== Electrical ==

	In a few weeks (as of December 07) you will find a detailed report on its performance.		In a few weeks (as of December 07) you will find a detailed report on its performance.