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PRELIMINARY TESTING
It is highly recommended that the antenna be thoroughly tested before being installed on the tower.
Connect the control cable to the antenna and carefully inspect for loose wires that could cause short
circuits that could damage the controller.
Power up the controller and verify that it is in the elements RETRACTED mode.
Refer to the Operators Manual and place the controller In the “Create, Modify” mode.
Go to the REF element first (this is not critical it just makes it easier to remember which elements
have been tested) and run the tape out as far as it will go. Listen carefully while doing this. The
sequence of sounds is as follows; First there is a slow ramp up for a few seconds that sounds like
distinct clicks followed by a smooth humming noise that persists until the end of the tape is near and
then you hear a very quick ramp down. If you hear any buzzing or rattling noise during the “hum-
ming” phase it may indicate a problem. Once the tape has stopped at maximum length physically
shake each element half and verify the tape is extended. Now run the tape all the way back in lis-
tening again for the same sounds as before. If the tape was impeded for any reason when it was
extending it will then make a very loud ratcheting noise when the end of the tape comes home pre-
maturely. If no problems were encountered repeat this procedure for each of the elements on the
antenna, otherwise refer to Startup Problems section.
Startup Problems:
A miswired cable is the most probable cause, check all of the wiring again.
Damaged driver chip in the controller. Note that certain miswires can cause damage to the driver
board. So if a miswire was found and you are still having trouble the driver board could now be the
problem.
Faulty power supply
Mechanical blockage of the telescoping fiberglass tubes by packaging popcorn , debris or failure to
remove the rubber stopper from the butt end of the pole.
Mechanical failure of the EHU
Improper assembly; Telescoping pole not seated, 30m/40m Loop not assembled right, Telescoping
pole not extended to full length
Review the Troubleshooting guide for more ideas