No tuning is required if I remember right.
If you are referring to the vintage three-section fiberglass base antenna, check to verify the lock washers between the sections are Grade 316 Stainless Steel and not the cheap chrome plated mild steel lock washers. Grade 316 and not Grade 304 stainless steel.I bought a nos big stick 3 but no directions. Anyone have a set to copy?
If you are referring to the vintage three-section fiberglass base antenna, check to verify the lock washers between the sections are Grade 316 Stainless Steel and not the cheap chrome plated mild steel lock washers. Grade 316 and not Grade 304 stainless steel.
It is a big deal. .I wouldn't know the difference. I used whatever I could find. No big deal
It is a big deal. .
The difference is, standard Grade 2 or Grade5 material has a high content of carbon steel and will RUST! When the elements eat away at the chrome covered lock washers, the lock washers will rust and the rust will make contact with the mating surfaces which is not a good thing. Grade 304 stainless steel also has low-carbon content and not the best for outdoor environment. A good hardware store and boat marina shop will have Grade 316 hardware. 304 and 316 is stamped on the head of a bolt. Bring a magnet with you at the hardware store. 316 will not adhere to a magnet and 304, Grade 2 and/or Grade 5 will adhere to a magnet. If you do not specifically ask for Grade 316 and just ask for a stainless lock washer, the store associate will point you in the direction of Grade 304 fasteners.
Now you know the difference.
In 2019 I purchased a new (24') IMAX 2000 and the first items I checked were the "nice and shiny" chrome plated 1/2" and 5/8" lock washers and sure enough, they were carbon steel. The local ACE Hardware store had the 316 stainless lock washers and there were some 304's mixed-in, but I was prepared because I had my magnet with me.We use stainless almost exclusively at work due to it being immersed in "stuff" that will corrode any non-stainless in a very short time. By short I mean a screwdriver dropped into a stock pond one day will be pitted and almost useless the next day. In our chemical baths it will turn black within seconds. We use 316 almost exclusively however occasionally some 304 gets into the mix. It's not a big issue for us as we replace lock washers every time something is taken apart and that is every day. We must use a ton of lock washers each year and you can definitely see the difference in the different grades. Occasionally I will sort them out using a magnet as the 304 will stick to a magnet albeit weakly but the 316 will not at all. Then there is the clown that cannot tell stainless from zinc plated and keeps throwing that crap into the stainless bin.![]()
Not for nothing but, that "big deal" over the split washers, actually provided me an education on quality hardware. I knew cheap stainless would rust but I didn't know the numbers of the different grades or that the cheaper the grade, the more magnetic is was. In any event, you did get your question answered here. There is nothing to do with this antenna other than screw the sections together and put it on a mast. I don't think anyone meant to offend you by simply providing information, that was in addition to what you asked.I literally only asked for a manual and you guys made a big deal out of something I said about the damn split washers. Smh. I'm outta here.