Caplugs on Hygain Antenna

[WB4KZI]

Does anyone know of a better caplug to use on the end of the elements and boom for a Hygain TH11 beam antenna? About a year ago I moved and brought my TH11 and tower to my new location. Before I put the antenna on the tower I checked the traps, cleaned the element to element connections, cleaned the terminal lugs on all connections, and installed new caplugs from Hygain on the ends of the elements and on the boom. Now the caplugs that Hygain sent me are cracking and falling off of the beam. The original caplugs were on the beam about 10 years! The new ones didn't last much over a year. I haven't called the Caplug company yet. I want to find out which caplugs can be used that weather and uv won't effect for longer than a year. I don't want the ones Hygain is selling as replacements. Just wondering if anyone has had a similar problem. Once the caplugs are installed on the antenna it's hard to get to the elements to put the new ones on without taking the antenna off of the tower. And with this monster antenna, it's not easy to pull it off of the tower and do maintenance on it.

[W9GB]

DX Engineering offer a wide selection of BLACK VINYL CAPS
http://www.dxengineering.com/Product...D=98&DeptID=33

DX Enginering Part numbers for product: DXE-VC-xxxx

DXE - DX Engineering
VC - Vinyl Cap
xxxx - Ouside Diameter (OD) in inches of the aluminum tubing Vinyl cap is deisgned for !!

Vinyl Boom, Tubing and Pipe End Caps
Seal the ends of your boom, tubing or pipe with our vinyl caps. Sizes fit from 1/8 in. to 3 in.O.D. By keeping moisture out, you can reduce corrosion.
For those in colder climates, you can prevent water from collecting in the tube that might freeze and split the tube.

Made from a strong UV rated material, they will withstand the abuse of nature and keep your installation safe and good-looking for years.
+ UV-Rated Black Vinyl
+ Great for outside installation
+ Will fit securely over the O.D. of the boom, tube or pipe

You can also use a SMALL bit of Black RTV sealant to hold those caps (if you are concerned about dropping off)
http://www.dxengineering.com/Parts.a...XE%2DRTV598335

===
I would SUGGEST, you also LOOK at your needs for

Yagi Parts
http://www.dxengineering.com/Default.asp?DeptID=33

Anti-Oxidants, Anti-Seize, RTV Sealer, Tape, etc.
http://www.dxengineering.com/Section...&DeptID=33#Top

w9gb

[K8ERV]

I don't know what size you need, but a hdwe store may have some caps. Used for cane tips, chair and table legs, etc. Worth checking.

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo

[K9STH]

What I use for home brew antennas is just plain old el cheapo black plastic tape. The stuff that is like 49 cents a roll at Harbor Freight, etc. I put 3 strips across the end about 120 degrees apart so that the end is covered. Then I put 2 or 3 layers on the tubing to hold the end strips in place. After a couple of weeks exposure to the elements the tape congeals and holds in place very well. The tape is still in place on antennas that have been in the air for more than 30 years.

Glen, K9STH

[KB2BLS]

Try some plastic pill bottles. The colored ones are supposed to protect medicine from sunlight. They should last for a few years, if you can keep the water out in the wintertime?? Everyone wonders what to do with them when their empty, instead of just throwing them out.