[Boatanchors] [Heathkit] FS: Heath Cantenna

[KA4INM]

   On 05/09/2015 11:14 PM, Richard Knoppow wrote:

>       I found the MFJ cantenna on their web site.  The oil is about $30
> a gallon.  I don't know if this includes shipping.   My veterinary
> mineral oil cost about $25 a gallon.  The performance of the transformer
> oil is significantly better for not much more money.   I don't know what
> is used in place of the PCBs AKA Askerel, but it evidently works OK.
> PCBs are very toxic.  A web search will get you more than you really
> want to know.

   Question solved:

"Transformer oil or insulating oil is a highly refined mineral oil that
is stable at high temperatures and has excellent electrical insulating
properties. It is used in oil-filled transformers, some types of high
voltage capacitors, fluorescent lamp ballasts, and some types of high
voltage switches and circuit breakers. Its functions are to insulate,
suppress corona and arcing, and to serve as a coolant."

   from:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformer_oil

   Although a mixture of mineral oil and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)
was sometimes used some, pure PCB was very expensive and used in
transformers only where a coolant that does not burn was needed such in
buildings a requirement is such places as NYC where there is no room
for sub-stations or pole transformers.
   Pure PCB can easily be tested for there is no reason to guess,
mineral oil floats, but pure PCB sinks in water.
-- 
   Ron  KA4INM - Youvan's corollary:
                 Every action results in unwanted side effects.