[amsat-bb] Re: Winterization project

[Alan]

Greg,

Two years ago, I had about $1k worth of damage done to my car fuel system by squirrels chewing on the
tubing around the gas tank. There is something in modern plastics, including wire insulation,
squirrels and other rodents like to chew on.  Insurance covered most of it, but I wanted to find a
solution cheaper than converting my carport to a full garage. After some thought, I decided to try an
ultrasonic pest repeller.  

Now the squirrels won't come near the carport.  When I installed it, I ran the power temporarily into
the house, and waited for one to come around.  When I quietly turned the power on, the squirrel took
off as if I had slammed the door!  I use a Transonic Pro http://preview.tinyurl.com/k9jjavc but there
are many similar units.  Of course there is the problem of placement and water proofing, but it may be
worth the effort.

73s,

Alan
WA4SCA



-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Greg D
Sent: Sunday, September 01, 2013 5:52 PM
To: Amsat BB
Subject: [amsat-bb] Winterization project

Hi all,

As I reported on the 20m Amsat Net (14.282mhz Sundays 18:00z - 19:00z) 
this morning, I noticed that my 2m antenna was listing slightly 
down-hill.  Suspecting that the boom attachment screws had come loose, 
my project for the day was to go up on the roof and align and tighten them.

The screws were a little loose.

That's not why the antenna was drooping down.

I discovered the real reason:  Acorns.

Apparently the local squirrels have been preparing for winter, such as 
it is around here, and had stuffed about a dozen plump acorns into the 
open end of the antenna boom.  Besides their weight climbing out to the 
end, there was also the remaining weight of the acorns.

So, the antenna ends have been taped over, but that's not going to 
prevent the squirrels from climbing out onto the antenna.

Any suggestions on an effective squirrel deterrent?

Greg  KO6TH

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