I am quite concerned about all the aluminum cleaning chat recently. It is
well known that any of these abrasive cleaners and pads will leave
micro-scratches in the aluminum surface. Due to the skin effect at our high
frequencies,
the rf flow will encounter a maze of conduction channels that not only will
increase the electrical length of the element, can reverse the electron flow,
creating pattern nulls in some directions.
The only approved method of restoring beam antenna appearance and
performance is replacement of the aluminum tubing.
You can find a complete selection of NEW virgin aluminum tubing at great
prices at _www.texastowers.com_ (http://www.texastowers.com) under the
heading
"aluminum". With these low prices and availability, there is no reason to
even think about any other restoration method. Who wants to be caught
scrubbing
aluminum when you could be hamming it up instead?!
Please let me know what you need!
73,
Gerald Williamson K5GW
Owner/General Manager,
Texas Towers
In a message dated 2/16/2008 12:02:42 P.M. Central Standard Time,
N7KA@comcast.net writes:
SCOTCH BRITE or similar nylon scouring pads and water. Pads usually found
at home improvement stores. Why mess with WD40, kerosene, etc that create a
mess and then must be cleaned off. Use wet scouring pads. I keep a bucket of
water to soak he pads. Rinse with water and wipe dry with paper towels or
cloth.
A nice clean dull non-reflective surfce. The antenna just became a bit more
invisaible by not reflecting light.
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT on all my antennas.
Another aid in the process; keep a beer handy, though do not wase it on the
aluminum. And for the UK folks a substitute pint of bitters. Ah, yes, fond
memories of plowman's lunches while traveling in UK.
DO NOT do this process on the concrete patio or drive way.
Arne N7KA
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Artmouton" <k5fnq@cox.net>
> I am putting up a used Cushcraft A3S (with 4- meter kit) that was up for a
> few years (local conditions in S. Louisiana with salt air and usual crud)
do
> that it has the usual tarnish, dirt, etc on the elements.
>
> Local suggested cleaning it with steel wool and soap and water.
>
> I intend to break each section down, clean it, open the traps, replace any
> bad end caps, remeasure and re-construct.
>
> Just wondering if there were any other suggestion from the group?
> Art K5FNQ
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
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