[Towertalk] TH6DXX trap cleaning

[KC2TN]

In the process of upgrading my KT34xa I had to basically disassemble all of
the elements and the element tips. During reassembly the elements  had to be
cleaned to assure  good electrical contact for the new shorting bars. Since
most of the elements are constructed from 3/8, 1/2, and 1" tubing I thought
I'd clean the inner portions of the tubing where two elements were mated and
clamped to assure good contact there also.

	What I found inside each element was about 4-6" of what appeared to be a
nesting material. Now this beam was up 80' in the air and 40' above the
nearest tree. I would have never believed this sort of nest could be built
in an area so small and at such a height. The antenna was up for about 20
years. I took some pictures of the debris when I finally got it all out. I
suspect this could have a diverse effect on the antenna characteristics, if
left in, since the elements rely on capacitance traps.

	I've toyed with the idea of siliconing the element tips to keep out the
bugs (or what ever is building these nests) but am afraid of trapping
moisture in the elements.

Any thoughts on sealing the element tips?

Joe - KC2TN


-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-admin@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-admin@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Chris BONDE
Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2002 7:41 PM
To: ditzian@alltel.net
Cc: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [Towertalk] TH6DXX trap cleaning


At 03:06 PM 2002-08-06 -0400, ditzian@alltel.net wrote:

>I can see inside the weep holes, and it seems that very tiny
>creatures have migrated inside, taking with them a substantial
>portion of my real estate and stuffing this inside the trap. I will
>have to get a new survey to see how much my property has shrunk. I
>would really like to get inside each trap and either clean things out
>or start charging rent.
Jan:
I really like this description!!  I have seen something like you are
talking about.  Another was a private mud bath whilst another a small steam
bath.
Sorry I cannot affer anything except condolanses.

Chris opr VE7HCB

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