[Lowfer] Passive antenna transmission line maintenance....during WSPR-15

[Stan, W1LE]

Do you think a light coating of silicone dielectric grease would more 
permanently solve that corrosion problem ?

Two dissimilar metals, plus the electrolyte acid rain = galvanic corrosion.
The grease would keep out the acid rain/moisture.

I would even consider the grease treatment and a waterproof taping
on all coaxial joints exposed to the elements.

Stan, W1LE


On 1/25/2013 9:27 PM, Michael Sapp wrote:
> Hi All:  Running WSPR-15 here on 137 kHz and XNS & XEB seemed much weaker than normal.  At first I thought it was an A/K index event, but
> checking the propagation conditions, that was not the case. Then I remembered it's been a week or so since I floated some DC volts
> at 50ma or so to blow the fine oxide off the F-connector center pins....Big Difference....
>
> http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag19/wa3tts/fconMAIN_zps69353a81.jpg
>
> You can see the brief gap in the 0145Z sequence where I interrupted reception to apply some DC power to the coax---and the
> before and after results.  Years ago I had a TS430 that had a T/R relay that would oxide-up and the mod fix was to float several
> ma on the relay contacts at 12 volts to maintain a good RF connection.....
>
> Just thought I would pass the tip along.  Remember not to exceed the current handling limits of your receive antenna transformer wire.....
>
> (Dex does not have to worry about that....:)
>
> 73  Mike wa3tts
>
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