[TowerTalk] KLM KT34-XA Refurbishing

[K7LXC@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-10-21 09:06:08 EDT, WBH3@chrysler.com writes:

> Right now, I am using something called "OX-GARD by GB" which I got at Home
>  Depot to coat the fittings where the antenna elements connect together at
>  the boom.  I don"t know or have a feel whether it is necessary to do a
>  complete disassembly and re-coat all the places the assembly manual  says
>  to put the originally supplied copper paste.   My feelings right now are to
>  finish the assembly and then stand it on the director end and attach the
>  coax and see how it plays. 

     Sounds reasonable. Personally I'd rather spend the money on a new one
than try to refurb one - WAY too may connections, WAY too much work IMO. Re-
assemble it and see if it works like it did. If it does, put it up and have
fun.

> Incidentally, I've also seen a comment that the
>  copper paste undergoes a magical process and turns into an insulator
>  medium.

      Don't know what that means. The KLM paste is just one type of anti-
oxidant. It's fine and will do its job for years. I think that comments on the
'unsuitability' of the KLM paste are mostly anecdotal. The Ox-Gard is just
another flavor.
>  
>  In reading various threads it seems that some people have bad luck doing a
>  dissassembly and some don't, AND some don't do anything and the antenna
>  plays ok.  There seems to be no statistically significant  way to approach
>  this problem.  At any rate, I'm trying to get this antenna up  within a
>  week and need some advice ASAP.  The site that I tried to reach was
>  www.qsl.net/k7on/ant/antenna.htm.    I haven't had a chance to measure
>  between the 10 and 15 meter capacitor tubes yet.
>  
       Go with your initial feeling - put it up and see what happens.

Cheers,  Steve  K7LXC

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