Odd mark on new antenna

[JulietAlphaKilo]

I just opened a brand new radio from the box, and haven't done anything with it short of scanning a few repeaters for activity while sitting at my desk. This evening, when I finally decided to to take a closer look at it, I noticed this flat mark along the seam at the tip of the YHA-68. I was just curious if anyone else has come across this aspect before, and if so, is it simply a normal byproduct of the rubber molding process?

 

[W8RMH]

It looks like it was an air bubble under the coating, something that should have been caught during the final inspection before it left the factory.

 

[JulietAlphaKilo]

I appreciate the response W8RMH.

I wish I had a baseline YHA-68 to compare it to, but I'm hopeful in assuming it isn't damaged and simply a cosmetic issue.

 

[mancow]

It's the rubber coating. How could it affect reception?

 

[k6cpo]

I just opened a brand new radio from the box, and haven't done anything with it short of scanning a few repeaters for activity while sitting at my desk. This evening, when I finally decided to to take a closer look at it, I noticed this flat mark along the seam at the tip of the YHA-68. I was just curious if anyone else has come across this aspect before, and if so, is it simply a normal byproduct of the rubber molding process?

The YHA-68 is the stock antenna on a Yaesu FT-270, correct? I just looked at mine and it is perfectly smooth. I'm assuming the mark on your is strictly cosmetic and it shouldn't have any bearing on the operation of the radio.

Have you tried to operate the radio and see if it transmits and receives properly? That's your next step. If the radio is working correctly, then it's up to you as to whether you want to exchange it or not...

 

[JulietAlphaKilo]

It's the rubber coating. How could it affect reception?

Yeah, thats a fair point, and if it's just cosmetic no biggie. My concern was simply over how it was handled and the quality control.

The YHA-68 is the stock antenna on a Yaesu FT-270, correct? I just looked at mine and it is perfectly smooth. I'm assuming the mark on your is strictly cosmetic and it shouldn't have any bearing on the operation of the radio.

Have you tried to operate the radio and see if it transmits and receives properly? That's your next step. If the radio is working correctly, then it's up to you as to whether you want to exchange it or not...

Yes, it is, and thank you for the comparison.

Reception seems to be good so far, and I'm going to test out the transmission in the next couple of days. If it ends up just being cosmetic I'll most likely keep it. I figure it's a good antenna for hikes and outdoors activities where it will face the possibility of being scuffed anyways.

Once again, thanks to all for the responses.