Sirio GPE 27 5/8

After watching prices for the imax 2000 jump by 20% over the last few weeks (strange but true), I decided to go a bit more budget and impulse buy the Sirio 27 GPE. I did some research here and elsewhere, but missed the reports of the clear acrylic sleeve that protects the coil, being a potential problem. With this in mind, yesterday I put the GPE together, sealed the supplied plastic joint covers and screws with CT1 sealant. On inspection, the coil protecter does look suspect and not weatherproof by any means; so I sealed the sleeve with 'plumbers mate' top and bottom.
My question is, as the copper will no doubt get quite warm in direct sunlight, combined with cooler air temps, could the tube start condensating and if so, would it be a good idea to drill a little breather hole towards base of tube?

I just put mine up, no tape or sealant on the clear sleeve. There is an O ring at the top and bottom to keep the water out, and i never had issues with condensation.

Personally, if I've got something with actual components in it going outside, I'd use the airtightest box I can and waterproof it to death, but for this I'd probably drill a condensation hole while trying to keep the top of the sleeve watertight so water can't run down and sneak through the gap.

You aren't likely to make an antenna coil like this airtight (moisture can condense on or run down the inside of the antenna tube) and moisture can probably still get in elsewhere than from sealed gaps. You might as well give it somewhere to run if it condenses out of the air.

Mudslinger wrote:

I just put mine up, no tape or sealant on the clear sleeve. There is an O ring at the top and bottom to keep the water out, and i never had issues with condensation.

Reassuring to hear you have had no problems with the GPE. I know now that I am missing the bottom O ring! Oh well, l have sealed it up now.

73's

26TC62 wrote:

Personally, if I've got something with actual components in it going outside, I'd use the airtightest box I can and waterproof it to death, but for this I'd probably drill a condensation hole while trying to keep the top of the sleeve watertight so water can't run down and sneak through the gap.

You aren't likely to make an antenna coil like this airtight (moisture can condense on or run down the inside of the antenna tube) and moisture can probably still get in elsewhere than from sealed gaps. You might as well give it somewhere to run if it condenses out of the air.

Thanks for this. Breather hole will be drilled shortly.

73's

Little update: The Sirio has been up for around 4 weeks. The ground plane is now just about level with the nearest rooftop (approx' 180ft asl). Out to sea and across the Channel there's nothing in my way, although it still needs to go up another 1-1.5m to clear a few of the very highest roof tops behind me. Monday afternoon and Tuesday evening proved a good test for the GPE and it didn't let me down. Contact made with 1,13,14 & 68 division. A 34 division heard but sadly no QSL. Special mention to 68-MG-04, working (what seemed like) the whole of the world from just outside Belfast on a Yaesu & Yagi combo. The audio quality/modulation on the FT DX 5000 is simply outstanding on USB, almost magical. Impressive! The UK40 was awash with stations from Germany, Scotland, NI, and the North East booming down too, contact was made with all.. I think I can now forgive all the crap that this antenna drags up (in-between propagation), but to be fair, changing the coax to 213 with ferrite on every cable has helped. For the money, the GPE 27 is decent enough.

Nice one Paul, a great result!!

73's Gary.