Laird BB4504CR issues ( again )

[mbnv992]

So - a little over a year ago the base mount to my Laird UHF antenna ( mentioned in the title ) had its base cracked ( Laird replaced it under warranty ) I’ve had another issue.

This time - the little nub in the middle of this one that’s supposed to be spring supported in the middle - lost it’s spring so now it’s just kinda there but doesn’t have the spring retention.

Antenna still operates fine but is it safe to use it in its condition ?

Kinda disappointed in Laird quality. Anyone ever experience this with Laird before ? Wonder if they’ll cover this under warranty as well ?

 

[mmckenna]

Antenna still operates fine but is it safe to use it in its condition ?

I wouldn't rely on it. The spring tension being gone may result in an intermittent connection, especially in a mobile environment with vibration.

Kinda disappointed in Laird quality. Anyone ever experience this with Laird before ? Wonder if they’ll cover this under warranty as well ?

I've had good experience with the few Laird antennas I have, but they've all been 1/2 wave VHF with a spring at the base of the whip. Have not had the base cracking issues personally, but I've heard about it from others frequently enough to be concerned.

Can't say I have ever had any issues with the Larsen or EM Wave that I've owned. If Laird has replaced it once under warranty, you could always try again, or cut your losses and try another brand.

 

[nokones]

Laird went through some quality control issues early last year with their antennae and mag-mounts. I'm still buying Laird products and I haven't experienced any issues lately.

 

[mbnv992]

Correct antenna model number is BB4505CS not CR. Looked up my post about this antenna and it was February of 2022 that The Antenna Farm replaced the base of this antenna under warranty. I contacted them again and I think they are going to help me again with yet another replacement base for this. I’ve attached a picture below ( note how the middle “nub” that’s supposed to be spring loaded - is not “sprung out” - but is just loosely there since somehow ( no idea how ) the spring retention gave away to that center nub ).

 

[mmckenna]

I’ve attached a picture below ( note how the middle “nub” that’s supposed to be spring loaded - is not “sprung out” - but is just loosely there since somehow ( no idea how ) the spring retention gave away to that center nub ).

Larsen started using those "pogo pins" on some of their newer antennas. I watch mine closely as I've seen other brands that use that design fail. The 800MHz antennas we had when I first started this job had them, and they were a very common failure. I got in the habit of just replacing them whenever I found one, whether it was working or not.
I'm really hoping Larsen designed theirs well.

 

[jeepsandradios]

I run the same antenna on both my jeeps and have not run into that issue. Both are almost 5 years old and get alot of abuse so surprised you had one crack. I run some laird on my work truck also but all are fine. Hopefully you just got a few bad ones.

 

[12dbsinad]

Haven't had good luck with quality control and product availability since they got bought out by TE. Been using more EM Wave products now.