Vtronix/Hawk antenna problem

[Plevier]

I have a problem with a Vtronix YHK combined antenna and Hawk wind indicator.
The outer tube is rotating freely in the antenna base, consequently the wind reference arms swing around. The antenna base is secure in the mounting bracket, it's not the whole antenna turning. It's not the reference arms slipping on the outer tube, been up the mast and checked that.
Does anybody know how the outer tube is fixed in the antenna base please, how can I secure it?
Have emailed Vtronix a few days ago but no reply yet so wondered if anyone on here would know the answer.
I have to go up soon to replace the Raymarine MHU after repair so need to know whether to bring the antenna down or if fixable in situ!

 

[earlybird]

I thought that there was a side-screw. Push the plastic block down onto the support tube and tighten the screw.

 

[Plevier]

I thought that there was a side-screw. Push the plastic block down onto the support tube and tighten the screw.

No, that's at the top of the tube where the reference arms attach. That is secure. The tube is rotating in the bottom mount of the antenna wher it attaches to the mounting bracket on the masthead.

 

[pvb]

There's nothing in the instructions ( http://vtronix-antennas.com/pdf/yhk.pdf ) to indicate how the lower tube is fitted in to the base. How about dribbling superglue into the gap?

 

[VicS]

There's nothing in the instructions ( http://vtronix-antennas.com/pdf/yhk.pdf ) to indicate how the lower tube is fitted in to the base. How about dribbling superglue into the gap?

But doesn't the sidescrew, 1a in the diagram, tighten the fixing block 1 onto the whip?

 

[earlybird]

No, that's at the top of the tube where the reference arms attach. That is secure. The tube is rotating in the bottom mount of the antenna wher it attaches to the mounting bracket on the masthead.

I had one of these some time ago. I don't remember the tube being fixed to the antenna base, it just slipped over the antenna from the top, but can't really remember in much detail. I take it that the side-screw doesn't nip the antenna itself?

 

[Plevier]

But doesn't the sidescrew, 1a in the diagram, tighten the fixing block 1 onto the whip?

No, just onto the outer tube, not the whip itself. The thin wire is too whippy to support the Hawk, that attaches to an outer tube about a foot high with the whip up through the middle.

 

[Plevier]

I had one of these some time ago. I don't remember the tube being fixed to the antenna base, it just slipped over the antenna from the top, but can't really remember in much detail. I take it that the side-screw doesn't nip the antenna itself?

The outer tube is (should be!) not detachable, it's already on when you get the antenna. The side screw only bears on this tube.

 

[Plevier]

There's nothing in the instructions ( http://vtronix-antennas.com/pdf/yhk.pdf ) to indicate how the lower tube is fitted in to the base. How about dribbling superglue into the gap?

That was my first thought but my colleague who went up (my turn next time) says it feels like slippery un-glueable plastic.

 

[Stork_III]

I have a problem with a Vtronix YHK combined antenna and Hawk wind indicator.
The outer tube is rotating freely in the antenna base, consequently the wind reference arms swing around. The antenna base is secure in the mounting bracket, it's not the whole antenna turning. It's not the reference arms slipping on the outer tube, been up the mast and checked that.
Does anybody know how the outer tube is fixed in the antenna base please, how can I secure it?
Have emailed Vtronix a few days ago but no reply yet so wondered if anyone on here would know the answer.
I have to go up soon to replace the Raymarine MHU after repair so need to know whether to bring the antenna down or if fixable in situ!

If the antenna tube is moving relative to the base, is the electrical connection still OK, does the antenna still transmit?

 

[Plevier]

If the antenna tube is moving relative to the base, is the electrical connection still OK, does the antenna still transmit?

Yes it's fine. The antenna is secure it's just this plastic outer tube rotating where it goes into the antenna base surround.

 

[pvb]

That was my first thought but my colleague who went up (my turn next time) says it feels like slippery un-glueable plastic.

Sikaflex??

 

[Plevier]

Sikaflex??

Could be worth a try - could only smear it around externally.

 

[Plevier]

Update - reply from Vtronix.
It is secured with epoxy in manufacture.
They have promised a replacement under warranty - very good service thank you!

 

[pvb]

Good result, although I guess they're not going to pay for someone to go up the mast to replace it??

 

[Plevier]

Good result, although I guess they're not going to pay for someone to go up the mast to replace it??

Aw come on!
I've got to go up to put the ST60 windhead back anyway.
Can you believe RS now saying the little bearings for that back ordered until 6/6/13! Suddenly jumped from 4/2/13. Hope it's a mistake.

 

[pvb]

Aw come on!
I've got to go up to put the ST60 windhead back anyway.
Can you believe RS now saying the little bearings for that back ordered until 6/6/13! Suddenly jumped from 4/2/13. Hope it's a mistake.

I was only partly joking. We hear on these forums repeated instances of masthead equipment failures (usually Nasa kit) and people happily say that they've got new bits for free, but blithely ignore the cost of fitting. I wouldn't go up my mast to bugger around with wind transducers or antennae, so it's a big bill for a yard guy to get craned up.

 

[Plevier]

I find going up the mast very challenging (that's an in word isn't it) but determined to get there. Can't have my crew feeling superior!