Morning coffee surprise
One morning I looked out the kitchen window and saw this…
…followed by my reaction…
The wind got me
A closer view led to this sad scene…
The top element is bent severely, but less obvious are the two slights bends on the lower, thicker element: one over the fence rail and the other near the base.
I did it to myself
I take all the blame for leaving the antenna just sitting on a tripod and not paying attention to the later weather. Never one to pass up an opportunity to study the structural survivability of a commercial antenna product, I investigated further.
Aluminum comes in various alloys of varying quality
Most folks understand aluminum comes in a variety of alloys. Wikipedia has plenty to say on the topic. Based on the evidence above, it appears the relatively narrow CP22E antenna elements are not springy or robust when slung around.
Not Asia’s best
As Milwaukee’s Best is most certainly not Milwaukee’s best, so it is likely true the blend of aluminum used in a $50-$80 antenna likely to be an aviation grade, springy, fatigue resistant, alloy. The slenderness of the CP22E helps manage wind loading very well, but do what you can to avoid the impulse mine received during tip over. A post on TowerTalk adds perspective.
Conclusion
Mother nature is in charge. The Diamond Antenna CP22E is reasonably sleek and ready to tackle wind loads. It’s not so immune to modest physical handling and abuse.
