[Elecraft] Begali contacts - old thread reprise...

[Lloyd Lachow]

There were a few inquiries about what I did to improve the Begali
contacts, so I thought I'd answer here, for any that are interested:

I've used several different abrasive paper grit grades
...400-600-800-1000, use about three of these. Take off the contact
post, being very, very, very careful to preserve the spring and TINY
ball that bears against the threads for tension.

Then, start with the 400 or 600, with a piece over the ball of a
finger, and work on smoothing and convexifying [not an actual word]
the contact...it doesn't take too long. How to make it convex as you
go? You sort of "think" convex, which, I guess, translates to applying
a bit more effort around the edges than in the center, and allowing
the contact to press into the sheet of paper a bit as you work.

Change grades of paper until you get to the finest. Check your work
with a 10X loupe as you go, if you have one on hand. Careful
observation reveals when the effect of each grade seems done - when
rubbing stops changing the appearance of the contact.

Working on the contact on the fixed side is a bit different, as it's
wider, and has a spiral land on it. You will be able to smooth and
widen the land, and perhaps create a bit of convexity.

Before use, and periodically, pull a piece of paper through the
almost-tightened-down contacts to remove any specks or oxidation, and
Bob's your uncle.

LL/K3ESE