[TowerTalk] SteppIR vertical

[Jim Hargrave]

Steve,

I would suggest you spray WD-40 into it. It should not damage the motor and
will kill the ants. I would not use any insecticide, because it is
corrosive. Once the ants/spiders are dead, you should be able to clean it
out with air pressure.

We have a similar problem with our water well pressure controllers. Fire
ants love them.

     73's Jim
      W5IFP

> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Steve Daniel
> Sent: Sunday, September 26, 2010 9:36 AM
> To: 'TowerTalk'
> Subject: [TowerTalk] SteppIR vertical
>
>
> Good morning. I have the 6-40 meter vertical which, until
> recently, has worked well. Suddenly, I was hearing nothing. The
> element seems to cycle properly but no signals.
> After checking the coax and finding no problem I opened the unit
> at the bottom of the antenna to find it full of ants and not a
> few small spiders. The gasket was in good repair so they must be
> entering from underneath somehow. My question is this. How can I
> clean out the mess they have left without damaging the motor? Can
> I use an insecticide to kill the little critters? Can I hose out
> the unit, allow it to dry, try to determine the entry point and
> then plug it? Then perhaps I can determine what the electrical
> problem is. I am just not sure how aggressive I can be in
> cleaning the unit. If anyone has any experience or suggestions I
> would certainly appreciate the input. 73, Steve, NN4T.
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