First/New Antenna CP22E

[KD2DXF]

Hello, I am starting my shack. and my first Base Antenna is a Diamond CP22E. I have Scotch 33+, and some coax wrap. are there any other precautions I should make when putting this up. I bought 100 feet of RG8X, on accident, so I plan to use that in the time being until I get LMR400.

 

[N5TWB]

I just read the online .pdf of the install instructions and have the following comments:

1) Make sure you get a good lock on the nuts securing the radials. Wind will easily loosen these so proper torqueing is vital. The same thing applies to getting the phase coil secured properly.

2) Use the coax seal on the connection to the antenna. Tape first, then coax seal.

3) Don't ignore the requirement to do an isolation loop. Secure it as directed.

 

[WA8ZTZ]

Sounds like you are on the right track. Scotch 33 is excellent...wrap it tightly overlapping by half, no gaps or pockets, let up tension on the last wrap or two.
You are probably aware that a 100' run of RG-8x @ 2meters will cost you about 60% of your power out.
Get better coax asap.
Pay attention to grounding per NEC Art. 810.
Good luck with your new antenna.

 

[SCPD]

I personally do the following:
A wrap of Scotch 88 covering everything.
A wrap of Scotch 2242, stretching it until it turns grey as I go, covering the first wrap of 88 plus a little more.
Another wrap of Scotch 88 covering the 2242 and a little more.

 

[TheSpaceMann]

Use the RG8X for now, and save it for your future HF applications after you get the LMR400!

 

[wb6uqa]

I use scotch 33, rap well, then spray the tape with clear coat paint.last 5 years.

 

[KD2DXF]

Thank You all for your information! I was able to get it up in the air today. I may or may not change the coax, I am able to get into a repeater ok that is 65 miles away. Total Antenna Height is around 50' feet off the ground.

Pros:
-Antenna performs well at 5 watts out on an HT
-Easy to assemble
-Lightweight
-Very Affordable

Cons:
-Mounting Kit need redesigning, wasn't sturdy enough, so i added 2 pipe straps. Not going anywheres now

 

[bharvey2]

Follow the advice given on the coax wrap and the Scotch 33. One think you may want to do prior to that though is do to a light wrap with teflon plumbers tape. No need to go crazy. This will allow you to remove the other tapes and not have a sticky mess on the fittings should you desire to change things later. If you go this route, make sure that the other tape wraps well above and below the teflon tape. If not, water will eventually get in to you connection. Last work of advice: make sure your connections are good and tight before applying anything.

 

[WA8ZTZ]

Good job on making the antenna mounting mechanically secure.

Think about better coax. If the LMR 400 you were considering is too pricey for you, take a look at RG-6. It can be had for .10 (or less) per foot and has about half the loss of RG-8X on 2 meters. The impedance of RG-6 is 75 ohms so there is a theoretical 1.5 : 1 mismatch, however, in actual practice it has very little affect. Of course, LMR 400 or even RG-8 would be better yet.

You may not notice any improvement getting into various repeaters but when working simplex you will appreciate the lower loss of better coax.

Save the 8X for use later if you get into HF.

btw, make sure that mast is properly grounded. Enjoy your new antenna.

 

[KD2DXF]

The current setup is using scotch 33, and coax wrap.
Showmecables have EMR-400, and even 600. about $80 for 100 foot, worth it, and will be apart of the upgrade.
What I plan to do next, it get another 10 foot section of pipe, connect the 2, and have 10 more feet in the air. I have ordered (2)100 feet of LMR-400, and looking to buy a mono band 70cm antenna, mount below the 2 meter. then a DTV antenna around summer time.