Bent Antenna

[Folie]

When riggers were installing a new RolerFurler, I asked them to also install a WindIndex.

They did so-- but bent the VHF antenna in a zigzag fashion because it was in the way of the newly installed WindIndex.

By question-- does the zigzag affect the VHF??

Please see the picture.

Thanks lot--

[Paul Elliott]

Yes, it will de-tune the antenna somewhat. If you can, just straighten it out using pliers or something. It looks like a stainless rod, and unless it's bent so sharply that it has a weak spot you should be able to fix it. A little zigzag is OK, but not a lot. What you show is a medium amount. In truth, it will probably still work adequately, but I would still try to straighten it.

[Jim Cate]

I'd give it a try before spending much effort in straightening, likely will work ok... and then I'd fire t hose riggers! What an amateurish thing to do.

Jim

[denverd0n]

I'm not at all impressed with your riggers. At the very least, they should have told you about the problem, and gotten your okay before twisting up your antenna!

That said, this will affect it a little, but probably not even enough to notice. I would just go ahead and use the VHF, and see how it works. My guess is that you will have no problem at all.

Good luck.

[Folie]

Thanks everybody!!

[sailjumanji]

It's likely when you straighten antenna, it will hit the Windex.

[Folie]

Uh---- that is why they ---- uhhh--- BENT IT.

Sorry----- I plan on installing a short boom to reposition the WindIndex.

[Paul Elliott]

Originally Posted by Folie

Uh---- that is why they ---- uhhh--- BENT IT.

Sorry----- I plan on installing a short boom to reposition the WindIndex.

And I apologize for not noticing that they bent the antenna on purpose! It's probably going to work well enough.

But putting the windex on a boom is an even better solution, since you're probably going to get cleaner airflow (more accurate indication) that way.

[sailjumanji]

Might be a good time to upgrade the antenna.

[Folie]

Yes-- I considered that too--- thanks!!