Recently after 3 days of heavy rain (80+mm) I received an email from FR24 Support pointing out the drop in detection range from 250nm to 50-80nm. Monitoring over the following week showed reported ranges from 50-200nm.
Diagnosing water ingress I took my mast down and removed the self-alagamating tape. There was a slight gap (1mm) between the base of the antenna and where the tape around the knurled connector started. When I unscrewed the antenna connector several drops of water came out. I dry out and resealed the connection by wrapping tape around the base of the antenna and the connector leaving no gap. I had to open up the clamp and use a longer bolt to refit the enlarged antenna base.
My detection range over the past 3 days is back up to 250nm+ even with continued heavy rain showers. I thank you FR24 Support for the proactive monitoring of my FR24 station data and getting it contact and monitoring the results. The lesson is that proper sealing of the antenna connector is vital to good performance.
Diagnosing water ingress I took my mast down and removed the self-alagamating tape. There was a slight gap (1mm) between the base of the antenna and where the tape around the knurled connector started. When I unscrewed the antenna connector several drops of water came out. I dry out and resealed the connection by wrapping tape around the base of the antenna and the connector leaving no gap. I had to open up the clamp and use a longer bolt to refit the enlarged antenna base.
My detection range over the past 3 days is back up to 250nm+ even with continued heavy rain showers. I thank you FR24 Support for the proactive monitoring of my FR24 station data and getting it contact and monitoring the results. The lesson is that proper sealing of the antenna connector is vital to good performance.
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