[Mobile-Portable] Winter Time Mobile Antenna Cleaning Time

[tim]

Good reminder Bill.

I was noticing the lock washer on my antenna mount is rusty. I will 
replace that. I use Hamsticks and usually end up replacing the entire 
mount once a year, twice if needed.

http://i.imgur.com/cSTy2Qp.jpg

Hehe, how it looks right after I install a new mount. This year though I 
turned the bolts around the other way. The green wires are cut for a 
quarter wave at 20 and 40 meters.

Tim
KE4KE



On 10/19/2014 05:37 PM, WD8ARZ wrote:
> Yep, its that time of year again. Here is what I do to prepare my 
> mobile antenna system for winter.
>
> First I clean off all the dirt and grime from the quick disconnects, 
> masts, coils and whips.
> Using a clean paper towel or rag, I dry them off. That extra wiping 
> effort removes a lot of dirt.
>
> Then I wax the masts, coils and whips using RainX. Two coats wont hurt.
>
> Its amazing how much the snow and slush just slits off the antenna 
> system after doing that.
>
> SWR is more stable, and you dont risk arching of the coil housing on 
> the low bands, especially 160 and 80 meters. Some manufactures dont 
> warranty damage from RF arching ...
>
> By the way, I do my satellite dish too .... keeps the reception signal 
> strength up during snow storms, especially moist ones. One time of 
> having to go on the roof in the winter time to clean off a satellite 
> dish antenna will convince you to clean it well and wax it before the 
> winter snow flies.
>
> 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ
> South Bend, Indiana
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