[Towertalk] PW-1 SO-239 discoloration

[K7LXC@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/7/02 6:57:21 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
wa9als@starband.net writes:

> Is it normal for the SO-239s that are unused to discolor brownish?  Today I
>  noticed that the areas of connectors 1 and 4 that are exposed to the air 
are
>  brownish, but the part that's usually under a PL-259 is pristine/shiny
>  silver.  Connectors 2 and 3, that are only used during contesting and
>  uncovered the rest of the time, are completely discolored.  Other SO-239s 
in
>  the shack are not discolored like this, although some are much older, e.g.
>  on my tuner.
>  
>  Normal for the PW-1 connectors??  Any way to clean them up?  Protective
>  lubricant to use?

    Most cheap PL-259's are nickel plated whereas better grade ones are 
silver plated. Both materials oxidize. The winner is the silver connector 
because silver oxide is a conductor whereas nickel oxide is not.

    There's not much you can do about the oxidation in either case so I 
wouldn't worry about it. Indoors it's not a problem and outdoors if properly 
weatherproofed, it's not a problem either. 

    Since the silver plated ones take solder better as well, I'd opt for a 
supply of the silver ones. I get mine from D&L Antenna Supply a buck each or 
less in quantity. Try <A HREF="http://www.wavehunter.com/dandl.htm">
http://www.wavehunter.com/dandl.htm</A> for more info. 

Cheers,
Steve     K7LXC
TOWER TECH -
Professional tower services for industry and amateurs