Imax 2000 SWR Issue

[Mork]

Hi Folks,

I put up my Imax 2000 about two years ago.
The SWR form the beginning has been extremely low that the needle would barely move at all. This past couple of days I have noticed the SWR has risen to 1.5 to 1. I have also noticed that it is not stable as if I keep the mic keyed it actually fluctuates and sometimes when I key up it is back to its low reading and slowly creeps back to the 1.5 mark. I suspect there may be corrosion in the antenna joins or they may have actually come loose. Anyone ever see such an issue with these type of antenna?
Thanks

Jim

 

[W5LZ]

I think you've probably hit on the probable cause, maybe. I seriously doubt if you'll tell any difference in performance with that slight of an SWR fluctuation. BUT, the problem is that it might get worse. Taking it down, giving a good 'going-over' and fixing any obvious thingys is a good idea. It might also be something internally wrong, so if tightening things up doesn't correct the problem, I think I'd be looking at a new antenna, maybe.
- 'Doc

 

[Beetle]

Water intrusion into the coax will cause problems like this as well.

 

[ButtFuzz]

Water intrusion into the coax will cause problems like this as well.

Yep!

Also, may have been already mentioned, but make sure the little weep hole(s) next to the SO-239 connector on the antenna haven't been blocked... Water can build up in there and cause all sorts of unhappiness...

That antenna comes apart pretty easy. Resolder the innards if necessary...