Almost lost my satellite dome cover!

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by B Dubya

Note to self.......#1 Do not park next to MSHappyCampers in the very near future!! #2 If must park there, check roof B4 departing!

Zeroing in our your location right now!

[Johndale]

The red line is the metal strapping. And gorilla glue it to dome.

[cwk]

Here is a crazy thought...

Have one made for you. I did a google search for plastic dome and quickly found this one:

Clear Acrylic Plastic Display Domes.

They list some price formulas, but I don't know what you need. There are probably other manufacturers out there as well who can make a custom dome for you. They seem to charge extra for removing the flange, but you probably want the flange. They even had a few color choices.

You might also search for "acrylic dome" or "lexan dome" or whatever material that you think would be appropriate for the application.


Just thinking outside of the box...

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by cwk

Here is a crazy thought...

Have one made for you. I did a google search for plastic dome and quickly found this one:

Clear Acrylic Plastic Display Domes.

They list some price formulas, but I don't know what you need. There are probably other manufacturers out there as well who can make a custom dome for you. They seem to charge extra for removing the flange, but you probably want the flange. They even had a few color choices.

You might also search for "acrylic dome" or "lexan dome" or whatever material that you think would be appropriate for the application.


Just thinking outside of the box...

Thanks Charles! That's an idea I will certainly look into!

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by Johndale

Attachment 125309
The red line is the metal strapping. And gorilla glue it to dome.

John, I appreciate that, but mine is made different and I don't think this would work!

[cwk]

Joe,

One reason that I am suggesting having a new one made is my past experience with a plastic vent cover. On one of my cargo trailers (10 years old) the roof vent started to leak. At first it just looked like the same problem you had with parts of the flange breaking off. Then, I tried working with it and the entire cover started to literally flake apart. It just crumbled! Years of weather exposure (most likely UV light) had taken its toll. Repair of the plastic cover was not a valid solution. Replacement was.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by cwk

Joe,

One reason that I am suggesting having a new one made is my past experience with a plastic vent cover. On one of my cargo trailers (10 years old) the roof vent started to leak. At first it just looked like the same problem you had with parts of the flange breaking off. Then, I tried working with it and the entire cover started to literally flake apart. It just crumbled! Years of weather exposure (most likely UV light) had taken its toll. Repair of the plastic cover was not a valid solution. Replacement was.

Yup, it may come to that!

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by cwk

Here is a crazy thought...

Have one made for you. I did a google search for plastic dome and quickly found this one:

Clear Acrylic Plastic Display Domes.

They list some price formulas, but I don't know what you need. There are probably other manufacturers out there as well who can make a custom dome for you. They seem to charge extra for removing the flange, but you probably want the flange. They even had a few color choices.

You might also search for "acrylic dome" or "lexan dome" or whatever material that you think would be appropriate for the application.


Just thinking outside of the box...

Charles, I just got a chance to really check out these domes! I can get a white one the size I need for $102.95, which sure beats $450! If I can't get mine repaired satisfactorily I will definitely try one of these. Thanks again for your help!

[cwk]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Charles, I just got a chance to really check out these domes! I can get a white one the size I need for $102.95, which sure beats $450! If I can't get mine repaired satisfactorily I will definitely try one of these. Thanks again for your help!

Joe,

You are more than welcome. iRV2 has taught me a lot more than I can ever contribute. I am happy that I can help. And, I have made some good friends on iRV2, even getting to meet some in person. BTW, you were the first one to welcome me when I joined iRV2 back on 12/29/2015. Thanks!

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by cwk

Joe,

You are more than welcome. iRV2 has taught me a lot more than I can ever contribute. I am happy that I can help. And, I have made some good friends on iRV2, even getting to meet some in person. BTW, you were the first one to welcome me when I joined iRV2 back on 12/29/2015. Thanks!

Well Charles, I can't win for losing! I just talked to the dome guy and he does not recommend their domes for satellite system use! The material will not stand up to exposure to the sun and would crack very soon!

[cwk]

Joe,

That was just one dome maker that I found via google. I would imagine there are others. Now, we just need to learn what material can withstand UV rays. And, the wind going down the road.

What material is used for the vent covers that are on top of RV's? Or, for RV skylights? Acrylic? Polycarbonate? Copolyester? Fiberglass? Try a search for "skylight materials"? Or, "fiberglass domes"?

Out of curiosity, how old is the broken dome in years? What material is the current dome?

Time for some more research, Joe. Your turn.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by cwk

Joe,

That was just one dome maker that I found via google. I would imagine there are others. Now, we just need to learn what material can withstand UV rays. And, the wind going down the road.

What material is used for the vent covers that are on top of RV's? Or, for RV skylights? Acrylic? Polycarbonate? Copolyester? Fiberglass? Try a search for "skylight materials"? Or, "fiberglass domes"?

Out of curiosity, how old is the broken dome in years? What material is the current dome?

Time for some more research, Joe. Your turn.

To answer your questions, I don't have a clue!

I asked the guy if he knew of any other companies that might could help and he said no. I don't know how to find out what the dome was made of.

P.S.- I Googled RV skylights and it took me right back to the same guy! I called him back and he says they make skylights because they are not nearly as tall and that the Lexan polycarbonate material is extremely difficult to use for taller domes because it cools too fast!

Anyway, now we know that the material needs to be Lexan polycarbonate!

[Hit_the_Rhod]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

To answer your questions, I don't have a clue!

I asked the guy if he knew of any other companies that might could help and he said no. I don't know how to find out what the dome was made of.

P.S.- I Googled RV skylights and it took me right back to the same guy! I called him back and he says they make skylights because they are not nearly as tall and that the Lexan polycarbonate material is extremely difficult to use for taller domes because it cools too fast!

Anyway, now we know that the material needs to be Lexan polycarbonate!

You need to be really sure about the material, because whatever it is made of needs to be "transparent" to the signals that you are trying to receive. Other plastic domes may have UV resistant coatings (aluminum is a common additive, or application) that may reflect the satellite signal frequencies and my lead to poor reception and leave you scratching your head as to why you can't get any channels!

[barmcd]

Wouldn't painting the dome eliminate the need for UV protection in the plastic?