Water in antenna

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by BTShepp, Apr 5, 2017.

  1. BTShepp

    BTShepp Blue Demon

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    I have a Wilson 1000 magnet mount. When water gets in it, which I hear is common with those antennas, does it permanently damage the antenna, or just temporarily?
     
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  3. BTShepp

    BTShepp Blue Demon

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    Another interesting observation: on my little Wil antenna, water would make the SWR will rise, but it was still measurable. On the 1000, it seems pretty independent of water. However, we have had several days in a row with heavy rain. When I take the measurement, I can't even get the calibration knob to hit the calibration mark. After driving around a little bit, then I'm able to do so. Maybe water escapes from movement?
     
  4. mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    Seal it up. A little silicone where the antenna shaft slips in should do it. And does it do damage? Yep. Rust and corrosion.
     
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  5. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    ANY place where you see two parts joining,seal it..Be sure its dry 1st...
     
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  6. tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    Have you tried using the new SWR grease?
     
  7. mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    :-D
     
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  8. jessejamesdallas

    jessejamesdallas Road Train Member

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    [​IMG]
     
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  9. jessejamesdallas

    jessejamesdallas Road Train Member

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    Wilson 5000 that got water inside, and shorted out.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    So to answer your question "will it permanently damage the antenna"...."YES!"
     
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  10. BTShepp

    BTShepp Blue Demon

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    How much power was it handling when it shorted?
     
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  11. jessejamesdallas

    jessejamesdallas Road Train Member

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    This one belonged to someone on another site...so not sure what he was running, but I have had 2 to short out. What happens is SWR will hit the roof, then when you take the antenna off the truck and shake it, not only does water come out, but you can hear something rattling around inside the coil housing...There's a nut and washer that will literally rust and break free inside, and if you don't catch it right away, then it will start to ark and burn up like the one in the picture...won't do your radio or Amp any good either if that happens...
    [​IMG]
    Needless to say, I will not own another Wilson...Last 2 I had didn't last 6 months...First one I had years ago when Wilson was still making them lasted for years...till some jerk-off decided he just had to have it and stole the thing off the truck at a Home Depot.

    "IF" I was to get another loaded coil antenna that has the plastic cover over the coil, it would be a Sirio...Right now tho I run Predator 10K open coil antenna's. They can and do get water in them too at the top where the stinger go's in, but since they are all aluminum, there's nothing that's going to rust or short out...A dab of silicon at the top of the antenna where the stinger go's in will keep water out.
     
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2017
    Blaskowitz Thanks this.
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