classic k40 capacitor?

[mutley]

An external SWR meter would be the fastest/cheapest way to find out. A better way is to use an antenna analyzer; but that is quite a bit more costly.

I've had two K40's that had bad caps in them. One of them I got that way; the second I popped myself. Seems that they don't like amps that put out more than 250w before they pop. Been there; done that.

Be sure to mount your antenna/mag mount on the center.top of the vehicle before you adjust it or check it. You will find out if the cap is bad if the antenna's SWR can't be adjusted by changing the whip length.

hmmm i guess il just get another meter if you cant tell by the recieve or tx. i havent connecting a burner so if it is blown its not
by me. i was just curious as rx is a bit strange but i think its the area
i live and im not used to it fluctuating so
much as i just recently moved here.

this ones actually mounted via the hole mount system but on a k40 stainless right angle mount bolted directly just above the gutter on my truck so i can simply reach out and remove it.

i did think about fitting a dv type 180 degree swing mount and something on a standard thread or quick release bayonet style mount
(like euro home light bulbs fit)
but i guess thats a tired out subject for a new thread.

 

[psycho]

Throw the K40 out and buy a real antenna.

 

[mutley]

here we go

 

[psycho]

here we go

The Wilson 1000 and 5000 have magnet mounts that rust out after a 4-6 years but no coupling caps in them to open up. A Wilson 500 is a much better choice than a K40.
I thought it was common knowledge about the K40s blowing out the caps with 100 watts of power applied.

 

[mutley]

The Wilson 1000 and 5000 have magnet mounts that rust out after a 4-6 years but no coupling caps in them to open up. A Wilson 500 is a much better choice than a K40.
I thought it was common knowledge about the K40s blowing out the caps with 100 watts of power applied.

wilson 500? what is this mystical antenna!
no joking aside i wasnt asking how these things " blow" or whats better and certainly have no time for some bs macho pi$$ing contest over a stupid antenna! i simply wanted to know as per my post
" how do you know" if its blown

 

[222DBFL]

You'll know the cap is blown when your VSWR (swr), gets real bad.

 

[mutley]

You'll know the cap is blown when your VSWR (swr), gets real bad.

thanks
yes i was told that but i was curious if rx would change as i have no meter to check right now.
and was looking for a neat good antenna that will quick release or fold back
by me reaching up out the drivers window to the gutter mount.
i dont want a stik as its too heavy and there doesnt seem to be much in the way of neat base loads that work well and have this option
i guess an old valor halfbreed may work ok or a sirio at the right price

 

[Robb]

If/when you find and look at that cap when it is taken apart, it won't be too difficult to figure out if it is bad or not. The ones I had dealt with were split open. If you get that far into it, you still should be able to read the capacitance value on its side - even if it is split.

 

[Cliff Z]

hi all im not new here or new to radio but can somebody who really knows what theyre talking about please explain.

so.... if you bought a used k40 how you even would know if the capacitor in the base is allready blown or faulty?

whats the symptoms?
what happens if you just delete it alltogether?


thankyou!

Hi I like reading this. I have a couple of older Lafayette Radio Electronics, Rangemaster ll Base loaded antennas. These were originally made by the Antenna Specialist company. These were incredible well built high performing antennas (back in the day). Although I do have 2 Serio 5000 antennas they are a bit too tall for spare loaner antennas when traveling with friends for my liking. The Rangemaster ll's were not as broad banded as some of the Wilsons and K40's but they kicked ass and were much better than the Hustlers and every other base loaded antenna (maybe even the K40). Now that most of the antennas are made by Barjam and other offshore company's There is not much quality, high performing base loaded antennas out there. Is there anyone out there that has the capabilities ant the talent that can restore these older antennas and replace the dried up older internal matching capacitors inside these older coils????