Hi all, as mentioned in another topic, GlynH sent me his spare (brand new and bagged) standard antenna to try out with my RB - the difference was astounding, but after less than a week, performance was dropping off badly. I apologise for not asking first Glyn, but curiosity got the better of me, and I carefully dis-assembled your antenna - both the centre conductor and screen (foil and braid - my original was very sparse - poor quality? - braid screen only) were dry-jointed, and both parted company with the antenna very, very easily.
I thoroughly cleaned (chemically) the metal stub for the centre connection and the metal collar that forms part og the base and tinned them, I prepared the supplied co-ax similarly (chopping a couple of inches off in case of any damp penetration) and re-soldered the connections - bingo, superb performance again - up to 250nm out towards the sea. I have since packed the void inside of the antenna base with electricians' silicone grease, working some into the co-ax itself. Having made sure that all was still working well and there's no way will damp get in there again, I then mixed up some JB Weld epoxy, stuck the magnet back in again and thoroughly packed the rest of the base with the epoxy, pressed the base hard onto the metal base disc, with polythene in between, so epoxy squeezed out (and a little silicone grease emerging at the co-ax entry point) and left it 24 hours to set.
The results are superb and the best I've had yet with a standard antenna.
I believe AN need to concentrate on getting their antenna supplier to modify and produce a standard antenna which is water-proof, and getting the connections soldered properly, not dry-jointed (not relying on an interference fit connection!). Making the whip from stainless steel, would also be a great step, as that is now the only part that can deteriorate or corrode, and would be the icing on the cake.
Again, my apologies Glyn for taking this rather drastic action with your twig, but I think the findings and results are worthwhile, I just hope you do as well!
I've managed to post a screen shot for the first time, the dent at 240º is due to a building between us and the cliff edge. Reception is poor to the NNE through to the SSE is due to our gable roof being about 6' higher than the antenna.