That’s why they’re called FETs. The noise they make
More seriously, total bummer. Id probably drop kick it over a fence by now.
Built a 2m slim Jim antenna this evening that worked first time. First time I’ve done anything that worked properly first time!
I could well believe that if it was your's that it would be joining your T12 in your neighbours garage roof by now
Removed all the FETS and checked them over, those on the Left channel check out OK but those on the right one, totally toasted, checked as 3 resistors, replaced with new ones which test as OK, just wondering if I should do the Left channel as well so it gets all new FETS. Time to dig out my smart tweezers to see if I can find anything with the SMD's before I pop it all back together again.
Congratulations on your Slim Jim, first time ever you built something that worked the first time, oh hell yeah, I'm not believing a single word of that
On the T12 topic, so far I've not had any problems with mine still, but then, having 2 of them means that I really don't have to keep swapping tips as much so maybe my handles haven't worn as much, what I have noticed is though with those cheaper tips that they supply, sometimes the contact rings come undone and then they get thrown away so maybe I'll have to invest in new tips, hopefully genuine Hakko ones this time around.