[amsat-bb] Boom For Satellite Array

[Alan]

Mike,

I have one.  Mostly good, but some bad.  From a strength standpoint, it does
a good job.  The metal center section makes it easy to clamp it without
having it either compress the tubing or having it slip.  It will handle any
likely set of antennas.

The bad, and suprising, is that after it was up for 4 years here in
Tennessee, I noticed some "glitter" under the array on the roof.  The
protective coating had spalled off, leaving the very itchy fiberglass
exposed.  For now, when I work on it I use gloves and a long sleeve shirt.
At some point, I will probably paint some sealer, but that will require
mostly removing all the antennas and cables.

I talked with a local marine dealer, not a big market in Tennessee, who said
there were special paints to seal fiberglass.  Ironically, according to him
it requires special preparation to paint fiberglass in good condition, but
much less if the coating is missing or damaged.  I would definitely check
with a marine dealer there.

Previously, I used a fiberglass tube with a large round wooden rod to
reenforce it.  That was significantly shorter, but lasted 15+ years.

73,

Alan
WA4SCA


   

<-----Original Message-----
<From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of
<radiomb
<Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2019 21:18 PM
<To: amsat-bb at amsat.org
<Subject: [amsat-bb] Boom For Satellite Array
<
<Hello,
< I am redoing my antenna system. I will be putting up a 2MCP14, 436CP30, a
<small camera and some kind of 1.2 beam. Anyone using the
<M2 FGCB60 Heavy Duty Fiberglass Crossboom Kit. How do you like it?  Any
<other options? When I get it should I coat it with anything to weather
proof it.
<The sun is bad in south Florida. Hi Hi
<TNX 73 Mike K4MIA
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