Which is the best material for an aerial sleeve?
I am at present putting together a VHF/UHF antenna for outside use and was going to use a length of white plastic waste water pipe of about 40mm diameter as the weather cover. I had heard a few years ago that some plastic pipes can attenuate the signal reaching the antenna, depending on the material they are made from. One suggestion was to put a test piece in the microwave for a few seconds and if it becomes warm then the material is unsuitable for the antenna cover as it absorbs RF energy. I have some doubts over this theory and was wondering if anyone has any experience of this and which material to avoid or suggestions for alternative forms of construction?
Alan.
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