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Re: [TowerTalk] cleaning aluminum beam elements

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] cleaning aluminum beam elements
From: Larry DiGioia N8KU <towertalk@longwire.com>
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:04:45 -0500
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Is it April already?!

TexasRF@aol.com wrote:
> 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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>>     
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-- 
Larry  N8KU

 l o n g w i r e . c o m
 HF - DX - CW - Digital

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