[Boatanchors] Should dummy load oil ever need to be changed?

Jim jbrannig at verizon.net
Sat Aug 25 08:28:08 EDT 2012


My Cantenna is at least 35 years old and it works very well.  It is filled 
with Humble Oil transformer oil and show no sign of rust.

Jim


> Paint cans rust out from the outside, then they leak making a hazard waste 
> condition.
>
> I have seen at least 4 leaky Heath paint cans dummy loads.  Why take a 
> chance?  New dummy loads are not expensive, surplus even cheaper.
>
> 73, John Dilks, K2TQN
>
>
> -.-
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Rob Atkinson" <ranchorobbo at gmail.com>
> To: oldradio at comcast.net
> Cc: "Ed H" <eh54 at sbcglobal.net>, Boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
> Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2012 6:33:54 AM
> Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Should dummy load oil ever need to be changed?
>
> I disagree.  PCB oil is only a problem if it leaks out and you come
> into contact with it.  The fear about PCB is similar to the fear about
> lead paint and asbestos.  All only bad if you rub yourself with it or
> ingest it.  There are still PCB caps in use in industry--they just put
> warning stickers on the fronts of the cabinets saying that oil caps
> inside have PCBs, and drive on.  Besides, it is not certain the oil
> has PCBs.  If the oil in the cantenna is clear and clean you may as
> well use it and add some mineral oil to it if the resistor is not
> submerged.  Then you don't have the hassle of disposal.  As a
> precaution against the can leaking, go to a supermarket and get a
> cheap disposable aluminum turkey pan and set the Cantenna in it.
>
> Now, having written all that, let me also add that for AM the Cantenna
> is inadequate in my opinion, except for brief test transmissions.
> That sucker will get hot if you dump a carrier into it for more than a
> minute or two, especially over 300 watts.  Use it, but keep looking
> for something better.
>
> 73
>
> Rob
> K5UJ
>
> On Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 4:25 AM,  <oldradio at comcast.net> wrote:
>> Ed,
>>
>> The oil is probably transformer oil and has PCB's in it.  If so, leave it 
>> alone and dispose of it (the cantenna) at your local recycle center.  Do 
>> not get any on your skin or breathe any fumes.
>>
>> 73, John Dilks, K2TQN
>>
>>
>> -.-
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>
>>
>> I have a cantenna that is 35+ years old. It hasn't been used lately. It 
>> seems to be a little less full than it was when bought new. I purchased 
>> the oil from the Heathkit store as well. I assume the oil is simple 
>> mineral oil as it was clear and approximately 10 to 20 weight viscosity. 
>> I used it moderately for 1kw+ tune up for 20 years before I put it in 
>> storage. Now I plan to use it for 150 to 1kw AM and cw tune up and 
>> testing. Should I change the oil?
>> Ed-kv5i
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