Glue caps on discone

[mainetrunk]

Hi all.
Real easy question..
Can I glue the black caps ( that are there already ) onto my discone antenna?
I'm afraid it will lose a few on it's trip up to the roof, being carried on post.

 

[VK3RX]

Yes - OK to glue - I used non-acidic silicon.

My Icom AH7000 progressively lost most of its caps over the years, I guess due to extremes of temperature and cap hardening.

When I did some maintenance on it I ended up buying some new ones via ebay and putting dab inside when fitting, but it really was just an aesthetics exercise i.e. just for looks, they don't serve an electrical purpose and no-one was going to take their eye out in proximity to the antenna.

 

[MDScanFan]

I assume you are asking from a performance standpoint. There will be no performance impact in doing so.

 

[mainetrunk]

Thank you

 

[G7RUX]

You could use Plasti-Dip to make new, form-fitted, self-gluing caps in a range of colours.

 

[mainetrunk]

Colors, that's a thought.

 

[merlin]

If the radials are hollow tube, it is a good idea to cap exposed ends, prevents water/moisture intrusion that can lead to corrosion.
That plastic dip is an excellent choice, it handles outdoor elements better than the rubber types.
Solid radials makes no difference.

 

[mainetrunk]

Problem is - there's a 98% chance the antenna will be scuffed on roof, while enroute up.
That's why I wanna glue it. At least the vhf part

 

[TGuelker]

My Tram 1410 discone had solid radials and came with rubber caps.

My Diamond D130NJ has hollow radials and came with rubber caps.

Perhaps someone poked their eye out and a lawyer decided to add rubber caps.

 

[mainetrunk]

That's what I am afraid of. Jostling the post with those right over my head pointing right at my eyes