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Re: [TowerTalk] BLACKENED BRAID?

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] BLACKENED BRAID?
From: K8RI on TT <k8ri-on-towertalk@tm.net>
Date: Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:56:10 -0400
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
On 6/13/2011 12:39 PM, K0DAN wrote:
> Seems I saw a post here within the last year that diagnosed the cause of
> blackened copper shield?
>
> My case: I have a buried run of Cable Experts RG213/U Mil Spec, supposedly
> good for direct burial. It recently got nailed by the lawnmower (thanks to
> the XYL!), but there's enough stub left above ground to repair and add a
> connector, salvaging the buried run.
>
> I looked at a few of the chopped up pieces and the copper braid is BLACK.
> The center conductor looks normal, slightly dull copper color but in good
> shape, easily cleaned with steel wool for solder/connector.
>
> I would expect to see some kind of green or brown corrosion, but black? Is
> this maybe silver plate braid and I'm seeing silver oxidation? Web site says
> it's copper, not silver.

IIRC Copper Oxide is black. Sulfide (fertilizers and atmospheric crap 
are *usually*green). Water varies depending on what's in it.

Cut the jacket back until the braid is clean and  shiny copper. Oxide is 
a bear to try and solder.  Don't let water get in there. If you can't 
fix it right away, seal it thoroughly.

73

Roger (K8RI)
> The cable otherwise looks in decent shape, and I do not believe it burned
> due to high SWR or lightning.
>
> I don't really want to replace the whole run but don't know the cause or
> extent of the blackened braid. I have doubts I can clean it up and make
> decent electrical connections but am willing to try.
>
> RF loss is not an issue, any antennas on this line will be below 7 Mhz.
>
> Ideas?
>
> Tnx es 73
>
> Dan
> K0DAN
>
>
>
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