[TowerTalk] RE: KLM & Other Conducting Paste
rikik@inter.net.il
rikik@inter.net.il
Thu, 20 Aug 1998 22:15:58 -0700
Sorry to hear that others have had this problem too. Sorry Louis, I think
you only have two possible alternatives: Either (1) Dismantle and properly
clean all the aluminum - this must be done chemically if the corosion is
very advanced. Then reassemble the antenna using the correct conductive
paste (Penetrox, NoAlox, etc. - this has been discussed in depth on this
reflector), or (2) Scrap the antenna.
73,
Riki, 4X4NJ
Luís Teixeira wrote:
> rikik@inter.net.il wrote:
> >
> > Reading Kurt's remarks about the KLM copper paste finally prompted me
> > to speak out about this subject. Some years ago I installed a KT-34A
> > and (against my better judgement) used the conductive paste that KLM
> > supplied. After about a year and a half, I had a lot of problems with
> > the antenna all of which were traceable to bad connections. I found
> > that the tight telescopic joints that evidently kept out the moisture
> > were okay, however most of the looser connections of straps fastening
> > to tubing were very bad. Especially noteworthy was the connection in
> > the matching section of the driven element which showed 200 Ohms
> > resistance across it !!! Physical examination of some of these
> > connections showed deep pitting corrosion - probably to the extent
> > that would be called even "intergranular corrosion". Obviously, even
> > if I had overhauled the antenna - completely disassemblying it,
> > cleaning it, and reassemblying it (using the right conductive paste),
> > the mechanical reliability of the antenna had been compromised by the
> > weakening effect of all the corrosion. I approached KLM on this, but
> > they stubbornly refused to acknowledge that their copper colored paste
> > contained copper. They insisted that the paste that they used was
> > okay, and that I WAS THE ONLY RADIO AMATEUR WHO HAD EVER COMPLAINED > to
> them about this problem. I felt that I had a valid warranty claim
> > since the conductive paste that they supplied was an error on their
> > part. However, I didn't pursue this matter any further as it was
> > impractical to do this from 4X. The moral of this story: Never
> > completely trust even major, respected, manufacturers if something
> > that they're doing doesn't seem quite right. Before, proceeding -
> > check very carefully. Had I acted this way regarding the KT-34A, I
> > would have saved myself a lot of trouble, etc.
> >
> > Since then, I've returned to using "Noalox" - a Zinc based joint
> > compound "...for aluminum to aluminum and aluminum to copper wire
> > connections and aluminum conduit joints..." according to what the
> > manufacturer (Ideal Industries) writes on the 8 Oz. squeeze bottle
> > that is very convenient. I understand that this product is available
> > at major electrical supply houses (those that supply professional
> > materials to electricians).
> >
> > I would be interested in knowing if anybody can substantiate if there
> > are any significant differences between "Noalox" and "Penetrox" (which
> > many have recommended here on towertalk). If so, please give complete
> > details (what exactly are the differences, how this was determined,
> > etc.).
> >
> > 73,
> > Riki, 4X4NJ
> >
> > --
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> Hi Riki,
> I'm jusy suffering the same problem with my KLM KT 34XA, only after
> about 6 months after had erected the antenna. The antenna is showing
> (suddenly since about 3 months now) high SWR on 20 meters (3:1), all
> along the entire band (?) where before was completely broad, and on 15
> and 10 meters with 2:1 and 1.6:1 respectively, so in a lesser extent. I
> dont understand whats going on, I've heard before some histories about
> that famous copper paste - that I've naturally used - and I intend to
> ake the following:
> - replace the coax cable
> - test the balun (KLM ) or repalce it
> - and finally took down the antenna and inspect all connections
> speccially that paraphernalia of 'loose conections' which I dont trust!
>
> I can tell you that I've dismantled CT1DIZ KLM KT 34XA before and it was
> just like yours, completely 'rusted' speccially in those poor
> connections not the telescopic ones, showing deep pitting in result of
> some kind of 'chemical reaction' just like electrochemical corrosion.
> The antenna is 'dead' as in those affected places the material is 'gone'
> so only the help of some kind of liquid metal (BELZONA Molecular or
> DURMETAL or NURAL) we will be able to reconstruct the affected zonex and
> then creating conditions for a proper connection , I should say a tight
> connection , because thats what I think its missing, tight connections.
> I would like to have your impressions about the symptons you have
> noticed at the beggining...
> So KLM, never more!! I've had a TH7DXX for 19 years without any problem
> and then I've chenged for a new KT 34XA...and thts the result, I'm
> almost inactive due to antenna problems.
> I hope that my experience with this can help you, and would be grateful
> to hear from you about those symptons.
> Best 73 de Luis, CT4NH
--
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