Windex VHF question

[DeeGee]

I have a Windex with the VHF aerial integrated. Some 'stop' or collar has failed, and the Windex goes up the VHF aerial when we are heeled in a fresh breeze onwards. I have not been able to find these thru Google, praps someone here knows of where I might get info on these things?

 

[DanTribe]

The arrow is supposed to be held down by a soppy bit of plastic which also sets the angle of the indicator arms. They are not very substantial and mine have failed on two different units, perhaps my boat heels more than usual.
I now bodge it by wrapping a bit of tape just above the arrow. Not ideal but it works.
You get a selection of the clips with a new aerial, depending on the tacking angle of your boat. Perhaps you could find someone who has bought a new one & scrounge the spares.
Dan

 

[tom52]

My clip must also have failed because I lost the entire pointer last winter.

Presumabley it just flew up the aerial and away.

Can you just get replacement pointers without buying a whole new masthead set up?

 

[homa]

Re: Aerial + Windex

Glomex - the aerial people do a Windex conversion kit

force4.co.uk are selling it at £14.95

Cheers

 

[Salty John]

On most whip antenna's you can use the brass contact from an old electrical plug - the bit where you put the wire in and tighten up the screw. Break one out of an unwanted plug and it should slide over the whip and be secured by tightening the screw.
Hope this helps.

 

[roger]

OR cut the contact bit out of chocolate block connector strip
OR use a cable tie
Its amazing how things last. I put a bit of masking tape at the top of the aerial when the mast was horizontal to give warning to passers by - it was still there when we took the mast down 3 months later.

 

[Paulka]

Have look here.

 

[Omatako]

[ QUOTE ]
OR cut the contact bit out of chocolate block connector strip

[/ QUOTE ]

Only use one of these if you never want to get it off again. Because you won't! and over time it'll probably cause your antenna to corrode in half.

The suggested brass one from a plug is far better.

 

[Ruffles]

The plastic collar sits on the step on the aerial. I think if you examine the aerial you'll find that corrosion of the metal puts pressure on the collar and causes it to split.

I phoned them up and they sent me a new one plus spare for free!

 

[DeeGee]

[ QUOTE ]
The plastic collar sits on the step on the aerial. I think if you examine the aerial you'll find that corrosion of the metal puts pressure on the collar and causes it to split.

I phoned them up and they sent me a new one plus spare for free!

[/ QUOTE ]Who (as in business name), or rather what number, did you ring?

So far, some helpful suggestions and info. Thanks.

 

[Ruffles]

Got the number from here.

They were really helpful - excellent UK company. Good product too.