[Mobile-Portable] Winter Time Mobile Antenna Cleaning Time

[N1KHB--- via Mobile-Portable]

All good suggestions, Bill. I would only add spraying silicone to all  
disconnects and other electrical connections, and use stainless steel hardware  
where possible.        Additionally, I never  had a grounding problem when I 
made that connection INSIDE the car rather than  on the exterior.
 
Best,
Sonny N1KHB
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 10/19/2014 6:37:56 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
wd8arz at comcast.net writes:

Yep, its  that time of year again. Here is what I do to prepare my mobile 
antenna  system for winter. I would only add that applying some silicone 
spray to  disconnects and replace all hardware with stainless steel where  
possible. 
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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