by VK6ZFG » Tue Feb 15, 2011 11:20 am
Diamond X500 Details
Measuring from the top of top section:
0 top of antenna wire, 2.5 OD
405 to top of 8t coil, 6.5 ID
455 to bottom of 8t coil, 6.5 ID
506 to top of capacitor assembly
557 to bottom of capacitor assembly
1007 to top of 8t coil, 6.5 ID
1047 to bottom of 8t coil, 6.5 ID
1142 to top of bottom section coupler, 9 OD
Measuring from the top of top mid section coupler:
0 top of coupler section, 9 OD
25 bottom of coupler section, 9 OD
340 top of coil 64t coupler, 8 OD
(actual 64t coil length, 8ID, between couplers 230)
670 top of coil 64t coupler, 8 OD
1049 to top of 8t coil, 6.5 ID
1090 to bottom of 8t coil, 6.5 ID
1285 to top of bottom section coupler, 9 OD
Measuring from the top of top bottom section coupler:
0 top of coupler section, 9 OD
25 bottom of coupler section, 9 OD
86 top of coil 64t coupler, 8 OD
(actual 64t coil length, 8ID, between couplers 230)
516 top of coil 64t coupler, 8 OD
918 to top of 8t coil, 6.5 ID
945 to bottom of 8t coil, 6.5 ID
1147 to top of bottom section coupler, 9 OD
Base coil assembly not measured
Notes:
I use silicon grease on the threaded joints to prevent then from seizing up (heats sink coupound).
The antenna is lacking in mechanical strength and bends under moderate wind conditions. It is defintely not suitable for areas where there are constant winds present. Constant recurring bending will result in fatigue failure of the fibgelass radome. The bending indroduces a loss in performance due to the radiation pattern skewing.
After about one years use the epoxy seal at the base was found to have failed allowing the fibreglass radome to be easily pulled out of the base assembly. The epoxy failure allows the entry of water. The antenna, as supplied, needs strenghtening if it is to be considered for long term service. I now use the shorter (lower gain) version and have had no problems. The intention is to one day strengthen the X500 and place it back in service. I would not accept an antenna built like the X500 for commercial service use due to its poor mechanical construction.
73 Igor
VK6ZFG
73s
Igor
VK6ZFG