Finally got my Hy-Gain SPT 500 penetrator set up for 11 meter

[whiteastro]

I just found an old Hygain Super Penetrator antenna the other day. I plan to rework it and get it put to use. Back in the 70's I had the golden super penetrator. I do remember the swr going up a little but not dramatically. I also had a starduster antenna and it was not affected by rain.
CMR mentioned maybe it was the plastic between the hairpin matching device and the bottom of the radiator and the rain causing a short. What if the hairpin was insulated itself? So that the rain could not make the short between the pin and the radiator. And then again, maybe it would still make the short down at the bolt connection.
I too would like to hear the solution.

Ok I have been checking on that problem and asking questions in worldwide dx forum and this is what they are telling me but I haven't had a chance to try it yet. They say on the matching device on the bottom there is 2 plastic insulators and the top one should have the long end of the insulator pointing up instead of down like mine came. So i guess I have to switch it around. One guy in that forum made his own top insulator out of better material and claims it solved the problem. Go to that forum and check it out because there is a lot of pics. Myself I'm going to switch my insulator first and give it a try after I talk with HyGain technical support. Good luck and keep us posted because it will help many with this common problem ! https://www.worldwidedx.com/register/register