[CQ-Contest] Krylon Wrapup - so to speak

[Ev Tupis]

A hearty thanks to: N8CC, N2WN, VO1HE, W0UN, KI7Y and KH6DV for providing me with anecdotal input on the topic of using Krylon as a sealer to frayed fiberglass fibers on an R7's insulator.

It seems that the most robust solution is to use a fiberglass repair kit (epoxy based).

A *large* number of off-line commenters agreed that Krylon would work nicely, too.

In the end, I used a "multi-layered" Krylon approach to my 2-part problem (wiggly aluminum antenna in a fraying fiberglass insulator).  I will comment only on the insulator portion, since that is what I asked about on-list.

Fuzzy antenna insulator
-----------------------
0. Remove lower capacity radials and brackets.
1. Spray the insulator with clear Krylon - 4 coats spaced 1-hour each
2. Use finger to push smooth any fibers that are sticking out
3. Allow 24 hours to "cure" after final coat.
4. Optional: Wrap the Krylon-coated insulator with heat-shrink tape
   (I used two layers) and shrink it.
5. Replace the capacity brackets and radials

The Krylon did a superb job of "re-encapsulating" the fraying fibers within it's plastic strata.  I'm hoping that the extra step of taping will further protect and extend the life of the job (I'll be mounting the antenna at the top of a tower).

That's it.  No scientific study, just opinion and communication. :)

With any fortune, I'll be prepared for the fall/winter HF contest season with a sit-and-operate HF station.

Regards,
Ev, W2EV





       
____________________________________________________________________________________
Building a website is a piece of cake. Yahoo! Small Business gives you all the tools to get online.
http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/webhosting