TM 11-5985-362-13
SECTION III. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES.
3-4. INSPECTIONS
WARNING
Do not perform inspections or work on or in close proximity to the antenna when transmitter
power is on. Contact with high RF voltages can be fatal, and electromagnetic radiation can
cause severe or fatal internal burns. Particularly dangerous areas are in the vicinity of the
antenna coupler and rear radiator ground anchors.
Do not climb tower as it is not designed to be climbed. Climbing the tower may cause it to fall
resulting in destruction of the tower and serious injury or death to personnel.
Checks and inspection of the installed antenna is limited to that which can be accomplished from ground level. This
condition limits detailed checks and inspections requiring hands-on action to ground level components such as the RF
and AC CABLES supplying the ANTENNA, the ANTENNA COUPLER and its SPARK GAP, and the lower portion of the
VERTICAL FEEDLINE, CATENARY, and RADIATOR. Checks and inspection of all other antenna components are
restricted to that which can be accomplished by visual observation only.
a. Ground Level Cables and Connectors
Check all ground level cables for signs of damage or deterioration by moving the cable through your hands while
walking along the cable path. Look for surface cracks or wear or damage caused by tracked or wheeled
vehicles. CONNECTORS should be physically checked for secure fit and periodically disconnected and
inspected for corrosion or cracked insulator material.
b. Ground Level Electrical Connections With Mechanical Hardware
Electrical connections between the ANTENNA COUPLER and VERTICAL FEEDLINE and between the
FEEDLINE and VERTICAL RADIATOR are accomplished by a CLAMPING ACTION using a THREADED
FASTENER. Check such connections by verifying that WING NUT is tightened as much as possible and that the
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR does not move within the connecting surface.
c. Above Ground Level Electrical Connections with Mechanical Hardware
Electrical connections between the VERTICAL FEEDLINE and MAIN FEEDLINE and MAIN FEEDLINE and
MAIN RADIATOR are out of reach of physical inspection when the antenna is installed. When the antenna is
lowered for other maintenance, these connections should be checked in the same manner as for ground level
electrical connections with mechanical hardware.
3-4
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