Did I damage my antenna while assembling it?

[Jondrew55]

The instructions for my Diamond D3000N discone antenna are pretty simple. I assembled the antenna in about 20 minutes (2 of the set screws for radial element rods had fallen out in the package and it took a bit to find them. But when I installed the top element, I did not notice there are flat spots at the bottom of the loading coil for tightening to the rest of the antenna. So I was turning hit holding the black plastic of the loading coil. As it tightened, I felt a slight "pop", and the plastic rotated with the metal staying still. I don't know how these things are constructed, but is it possible I damaged the loading coil section by doing this? Like pulled a while off? Is there any way to tell? The antenna seems to function ok.

 

[dlwtrunked]

It may no longer be water tight and that could eventually cause issues. I would try to seal where the plastic meets the metal.

 

[mmckenna]

So, two things:

1. The outer cover of the coil is probably just that, just a cover. Likely glued in place and you spun it. The coil is probably wrapped around an inner core that connects the top and bottom parts, which is why they are not turning.
It's possible the coil solder joint was damaged, but if you have a multimeter or continuity tester, you could check for continuity from the bottom threaded portion to the top threaded portion. If you have continuity, it's probably fine.

2. The top whip section is usually for the 50MHz band only. These antennas are usually only good for 100MHz and up, but they'll add that top whip to add some lower frequency coverage. Usually centered on the 6 meter amateur radio band so they can claim that capability, but not really good performers. If you have no plans to use the antenna below 100MHz, you could leave the top whip off and not notice. I have a high end commercial discone that does not have a top whip and it works just fine on VHF and above.

I agree with DWL, I'd figure out a way to waterproof it. Some glue over the joints might be good enough. I wouldn't mess with trying to disassemble it unless it's really obvious.

 

[Jondrew55]

So, two things:

1. The outer cover of the coil is probably just that, just a cover. Likely glued in place and you spun it. The coil is probably wrapped around an inner core that connects the top and bottom parts, which is why they are not turning.
It's possible the coil solder joint was damaged, but if you have a multimeter or continuity tester, you could check for continuity from the bottom threaded portion to the top threaded portion. If you have continuity, it's probably fine.

2. The top whip section is usually for the 50MHz band only. These antennas are usually only good for 100MHz and up, but they'll add that top whip to add some lower frequency coverage. Usually centered on the 6 meter amateur radio band so they can claim that capability, but not really good performers. If you have no plans to use the antenna below 100MHz, you could leave the top whip off and not notice. I have a high end commercial discone that does not have a top whip and it works just fine on VHF and above.

I agree with DWL, I'd figure out a way to waterproof it. Some glue over the joints might be good enough. I wouldn't mess with trying to disassemble it unless it's really obvious.

Thanks. It’s an indoor antenna for now. Living in my upstairs spare room. HOA = no antennas. If that changes, I’ll be sure to add some weatherproofing. I will check with the multimeter. I figured that would be good!

 

[mmckenna]

Thanks. It’s an indoor antenna for now. Living in my upstairs spare room. HOA = no antennas. If that changes, I’ll be sure to add some weatherproofing. I will check with the multimeter. I figured that would be good!

It's probably fine, but easy to check. If it is damaged, the rest of the antenna will work just fine with the coil removed.

 

[TGuelker]

If you bought it from Amazon, they will most likely exchange it for you. My wife was helping me install the same antenna and dropped it, bending a long radial. I contacted Amazon and told told them I dropped it and they sent a replacement free of charge. I did have to send the broken antenna back. Fortunately all I had to do was swap a radial.

I read that some people leave the loading coil off

 

[Jondrew55]

If you bought it from Amazon, they will most likely exchange it for you. My wife was helping me install the same antenna and dropped it, bending a long radial. I contacted Amazon and told told them I dropped it and they sent a replacement free of charge. I did have to send the broken antenna back. Fortunately all I had to do was swap a radial.

I read that some people leave the loading coil off

Yup. Free returns. I’m sure it’s ok.