[TowerTalk] my KT34XA is high on 10-15m after cleaning contacts !!!

[Mike]

Hi Marc,

I had the same problem when rebuilding a KT-34XA. I could not get the capacitor 
tube straps tight with just a single layer of aluminum shim material. I used two layers
of .010" (.25mm) shim material, in additional to a SS sheet metal screw which I installed
diagonally across the tube (tangent to the outside surface) to pull the ends of the strap 
closer together. With this arrangement, I was able to get all of the straps very tight
(no rotation even with anti-oxidant coating). I used NoAlox on the first half of the 
antenna, and then switched over to silicon high vacuum grease after hearing some
negative opinions about NoAlox (I figured it would be an interesting experiment). 

The antenna worked the first time up using the factory dimensions as been working 
fine for over a year now. Alternatively, M-Squared (K6MYC), sells a rebuild kit for
the KT-34XA that replaces all of the straps with machined aluminum blocks. Not sure
what the price is, but it looks very nice (see www.M2inc.com).

73 de Mike, W4EF.................

---- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marc Wullaert" <marc.wullaert3@pandora.be>
To: "Antenne reflector" <antennas@qth.net>; "Towertalk" <towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 11:48 AM
Subject: [TowerTalk] my KT34XA is high on 10-15m after cleaning contacts !!!


> 
> To the antenna guru's,
> 
> I need some help here.I cleened all the contacts ,shortingstraps, of my
> KT34xa.
> Now the antenna is ready to go up the tower again.I checked vswr on all
> bands
> on 50feet high.Jeesus the antenna is resonating on 10-15m to high.In the
> lower ends
> is about 2.3 swr (28.000-28160 than its drop and have a 1.1(resonate) on
> 28665.
> the same on 15m resonate vsw 1.1 on 21.450.if i look at the curves it's got
> to go up quickly around
> 21.450.
> I checked all the dimensions in the book.The antenna was working ok before,
> buth when cleaning and lubricating the contacts and elements joints whit
> noalox
> I noticed that the shortingstrap type "A" for the capacitor tube have a
> opening even
> the srew is fully thight.I placed a aluminium plate 0.5mm thick between the
> strap and
> capacitor tube.There is still some movement.Shoud that be wrong?I measured
> the shortings
> whit a ohm meter and all showes a very low resistance(0.1).
> All the mods are on the beam already like putting a screw where possible to
> have a good contact.
> It is ok on 20m.it's about 10 years old now and yes I have bleu caps and
> there all ok.Even the
> capacitor tubes tickness are ok.
> I'm thinking to build some 20 shortings straps type "A" on my one ,now KLM
> is not anymore
> on the market.Is there someone there who have a rebuild kit in spare /dont
> need it anymore
> they sold at KLM some years ago where alle the straps/caps where included.
> Otherwise give me a offer.
> or maybe someone also have  the same problem and find the fix.Just curious.I
> even
> changed the reflector lenghts "C and B".but little effect.It is some work,
> up and down moving this bastard on the tower.
> 
> 73
> marc on4ma
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> List Sponsored by AN Wireless:  AN Wireless handles Rohn tower systems,
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> 
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List Sponsored by AN Wireless:  AN Wireless handles Rohn tower systems,
Trylon Titan towers, coax, hardline and more. Also check out our self
supporting towers up to 96 feet for under $1500!!  http://www.anwireless.com

-----
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