The series of screws are located within the tuning stubs on the end of the feed boom, which need to be removed in replacing the window. Special anechoic chambers, and equipment are required to perform these types of repair. The factory needs to be contacted regarding the specific repair request prior to returning any feed to the factory. In addition "ALL" parts including vertex and mounting rings need to be sent back upon return material authorization.

  1. Can I repair a radome in the field?
    The antenna's radome primary function is to reduce the wind loading; however, it also provides protection to the feed, who's cost is generally 50% - 80% of the cost of the antenna. On shielded antennas it also keeps moisture from degrading the foam absorber material attached to the shield.
    Hypalon
    This material is a rubber coated nylon material that will "weather" over time. A ripped or torn radome will rapidly get worse. There is no patch kit available for field use, and not worth the cost to return. A new radome needs to be used to replace the "bad" one.
    Teglar
    These radomes are of the highest quality available in the industry today. They are made from a Teflon coated fiberglass material. A punctured or torn radome will NOT worsen over time. Repairs in the field are highly unlikely due to inadequate tools, fixtures, and facilities. Damaged radomes need to be replaced.
    Molded (ABS / Fiberglass)
    Damage to these radomes is usually cracks caused by mishandling, or fork lift punctures. Radome sizes 4, 6, 8 ft molded radomes are made from an ABS plastic and do NOT lend themselves to field repairs. 10 and 12 ft sizes are made from fiberglass. Photos of damaged radomes should be sent to the factory to determine the extent of the damage prior to repair attempts. Large repair attempts may cause pattern performance or VSWR issues. Any "feasible" repairs made to the radome can be accomplished through standard fiberglass materials that can be obtained from auto shops (servicing Corvettes), or local boat repair shops.

  2. What is the difference between Hypalon, and Teglar radomes?
    Both of these radome types are used on high performance (shielded) antennas. However there are some differences in material construction that place "Teglar" in high regard (and higher cost).

    The Teglar style radome uses a slightly different interface at the radomes edge. In addition, the Teflon-coated fiberglass material is extremely durable, and currently the best solution the industry has to offer. They are standard issue for UHX, UMX, HSX, HDX and all high wind series antennas.

    Hypalon type radomes are made from a rubber coated nylon material. Typically sections of the radome are stitched or sewn together. This material will "wear" over the course of time and will need to be replaced. Hypalon radomes are standard on HP, HPX type antennas; however, upgrades to Teglar are possible on new antenna purchases and field replacements.

  3. What is a focal plane antenna?
    A focal plane antenna uses its unique characteristics to provide better pattern and F/B ratios than that of standard antennas. Its deep-dish shape, and shortened, feed focal length provide performance between that of a standard antenna and a shielded one. PAR and PARX series antennas in the 6ft and 8 ft sizes use focal plane, deep-dish reflectors and feed systems to provide FCC Cat A performance.

  4. Do I need to pressurize my antenna / feed?
    In 99%+ cases, feed systems for microwave antennas need to be pressurized. The ingress of moisture is the number one problem with microwave systems. Without pressurization the ambient moist air is drawn into the air cavity of a feed system. This typically happens through the window area, or flange input connection as the (outdoor) temperature and pressure changes causing a vacuum effect within the feed system and transmission line. Although these areas contain gaskets, they are not hermetically sealed.
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