Towertalk
[Top] [All Lists]

[TowerTalk] Stuck Elements

To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Stuck Elements
From: K7GCO@aol.com (K7GCO@aol.com)
Date: Sat, 3 Nov 2001 09:30:34 EST
In a message dated 11/3/01 5:35:51 AM Pacific Standard Time, realex@flash.net 
writes:<< 
I recently disassembled an old Hygain DB1015 that had elements thoroughly
 stuck together by pouring some hydrogen peroxide over the joints in 
question.  It
 will loosen or break up the oxidation holding the joints together.  Repeat  
as needed
 73, Bob, W5AH 
 -----Original Message-----
 
 I picked up a Telrex 20M646 which I am working on adjusting the element
 lengths. Many of the elements are tight and will not budge. I have tried a
 number of things to get the element end loose with no success. Has anyone
 else experienced the same problem and found a solution?
  >>
Heating with a BurnsOmatic torch can help also.  Laying the tubing on 
concrete and tapping with a hammer will help break things loose and if 
pounded enough will actually enlarge the diameter.  I've bolted a plug into 
one end and used long rods to tap it out.  One bean had been together for 
about 40 years I got from a friend.  I took a 3'  1/2" steel rod and slipped 
it in one end of the tubing.  Holding it on the edge of the roof I tilted it 
vertical and let the rod fall inside as a jack hammer 33' to an end plug held 
by 2 1/4" bolts.  I even had to jerk the tubing up at impact.  After about 50 
or more jack hammers I got the elements apart without damage.  The aluminum 
oxide had grown .015" thick on the telescoping joint creating a fair 
compression joint.  The ohmmeter test showed in was a capacitor.  This was an 
extreme case but many yagis have a capacitive joints in time.  Quads have one 
permanently soldered joint and no deterioration of performance. 

When someone offers you an old beam--run as fast as you can-the other way. 
k7gco.

List Sponsored by AN Wireless:  AN Wireless handles Rohn tower systems,
Trylon Titan towers, coax, hardline and more. Also check out our self
supporting towers up to 100 feet for under $1500!!  http://www.anwireless.com

-----
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
Submissions:              towertalk@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-towertalk@contesting.com


<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>