Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 19:23
These antennas were never great and are now very old. I wouldn't waste any money repairing it, but would look either at a 9350 or perhaps even a tapped whip, depending upon your intended use and how many channels you want to be able to access.
In relation to vacuum sealing, I believe this to be a furphy. Rather they are simply heated a little to create a small amount of vacuum when they cool (or something like that). They are also tested in a
water tank for leaks.
I have repaired my 9350 antenna myself and have never bothered with this stuff and have never had any further trouble with it, though you need to remember that like anything with moving parts and subjected to the harsh treatment they are, they will at some stage require servicing, cleaning etc.
As others have stated, the 9350 will mate up directly to the 8528, but you may need to remove a small circuit board inside the set (called option AD - or antenna driver) as these electonics are contained withing the 9350, rather than the set.
The 8528 are a great set, but remember that they are getting a little old now and Codan do not support them for spare parts anymore. If the front subsrate on the main radio or control head dies it is very hard to find replacements, though there is one bloke doing an aftermarket version.
I have had a few of these sets over the years (now run a 9323) and more than willing to give you any further assistance I can with your setup.
One last thing. A recently departed EO member (Footloose) who knew just about everything there is to know about these Codans would have warned you to be very careful with these older sets if you intend to rely on them as your only form of emergency communications in remote areas. I certainly would not be relying on an old 8558 antenna, without some form of emergency backup.
Cheers,
Mark
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