First Look PBE AC 500 Shields
Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 1:14 pm
We installed PBE AC 500 shields on six units this week. The "clasp" or closure system on the PBE 500 shields is the main difference from the shields we use on NB-25 and NBE 25 units. On the ground they go on similar to the previous design, etc. But…..
IMHO, the previous design of the closure is much better. In the new design, it is difficult to pull both sides together tight without both hands and a knee. Taking these off while on a tower and then retightening them is going to be really difficult to pull the closure together tight.
We tried uninstalling and reinstalling on a mount at our office and after the shield is reinstalled, it’s very difficult to get tight without both hands and a knee holding it, and no hands remain for the screwdriver.
I’m not confident the “guys” on the tower will close it all the way unless I am there. The security of the shield staying on if it is not tight enough also concerns me.
New closure system - I think the idea is to use needle nose pliers to pull it together and use the other hand for the screw driver.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ersk8ly8xj4fu73/IMG_20141101_115334.jpg?dl=0
With the previous design, we can loosen the closure, remove the shield, replace a horn, put the shield back on and close the gap by simply tightening the screws.
Old closure system (preferred)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vhqjstuqzfkdbuw/IMG_20141101_121959.jpg?dl=0
Still testing shielding with two devices near each other. I expect results will be similar to the NB 25 shields unless the AC 500's leak more from the back.
IMHO, the previous design of the closure is much better. In the new design, it is difficult to pull both sides together tight without both hands and a knee. Taking these off while on a tower and then retightening them is going to be really difficult to pull the closure together tight.
We tried uninstalling and reinstalling on a mount at our office and after the shield is reinstalled, it’s very difficult to get tight without both hands and a knee holding it, and no hands remain for the screwdriver.
I’m not confident the “guys” on the tower will close it all the way unless I am there. The security of the shield staying on if it is not tight enough also concerns me.
New closure system - I think the idea is to use needle nose pliers to pull it together and use the other hand for the screw driver.
- IMG_20141101_115334.jpg (75.75 KiB) Viewed 10322 times
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ersk8ly8xj4fu73/IMG_20141101_115334.jpg?dl=0
With the previous design, we can loosen the closure, remove the shield, replace a horn, put the shield back on and close the gap by simply tightening the screws.
Old closure system (preferred)
- IMG_20141101_121959.jpg (115.01 KiB) Viewed 10322 times
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vhqjstuqzfkdbuw/IMG_20141101_121959.jpg?dl=0
Still testing shielding with two devices near each other. I expect results will be similar to the NB 25 shields unless the AC 500's leak more from the back.
