It's Antenna Season

Normally the winter months create a need for maintenance on the antenna system. Problems always seem to occur when the snow flies. You know it is no fun to get out there with a parka on and do the work with the heavy gloves. If you made it through the winter now is the time to get the maintenance done so the summer operating season will pass with out problems. And after the summer fun is over, give your antennas a routine check to ensure they are ready for the next winter.

My Hi-Gain 12AVQ 3 band vertical mounted on the eve of the shack has been up there a few years and the resonant points seem to "wander" a bit. This suggests that the aluminum joints need to be cleaned and re-coated with a conductive joint compound to prevent re-oxidation of the joint when the antenna is re-exposed to the elements.

Here in Southern New England we have pretty high humidity and being near the ocean doesn't help the aluminum much either. Any antenna needs maintenance and the cleaning of the joints and traps on the vertical becomes even more important as the age of the antenna increases. Caution is the key when reinstalling the device. Take care to get the mechanical setup and the RF tuning correct.