First thought is a 'not good' electrical connection somewhere. A
'joint' may seem secure but be a bad electrical connection. No idea
if you have a bad trap. Making sure that they are not filled with
water or whatever else would be a good idea (drain holes pointed
down??). I would think that having to use a tuner means that maybe
the antenna isn't adjusted correctly? If you can get it to a point
where you can do all that checking of joints, etc, why not just take
it apart, clean it, and put it back? (Easy for me to suggest, I ain't
the one doing it, right? )
- 'Doc