[TowerTalk] Force 12 C3SS Galvanic Corrosion 20M

[Grant Saviers]

McMaster stocks Never-Seez in nickle only formulation, even "nuclear 
grade".  See
http://www.mcmaster.com/#never-seez-antiseize-lubricants/=e3634g

Grant KZ1W


On 9/15/2011 5:51 PM, Frank Davis wrote:
> I have been using a C3SS since Sept 2009.  It was purchased used but in like new condition having been
> only erected for a short period when the first owner became a SK.
>
> This past summer I noticed that the SWR would jump around quite a bit during wind.  Also I purchased an
> ACOM 1010 and when running that amp at 800w on 20M the SWR would skyrocket and the amp would shut down.
>
> Last week I lowered the tower and removed the antenna and discovered that all eight 2" hex aluminium studs that
> secure the fold wire for the 20M elements were very badly corroded.  The SS bolts in the studs were quite loose
> and in a couple of cases I could pull the  bolts out by hand.  The studs were basically disintegrating due to galvanic action
> and no doubt the proximity to the ocean here did its job very well.  A friend of mine made eight new studs for me out of 1/2"
> square AL stock and I have now reassembled the antenna and have it back in the air.  I have pictures of the corroded studs
> if anyone is interested.
>
> I also discovered that the small wire strap that bridges the gap in  the REF element was corroded in the automotive lug
> and literally fell out when I touched it.
>
> I contacted Mark at Force 12 and was advised that use of a "nickle" based anti-seize compound is highly recommended for these studs.
> That info is not currently in the manual for this antenna but Mark indicates it will added as a precaution to take during assembly.
> Only "nickle" based anti-seize should be used.  Having said that "nickle " based anti-seize is not easy to find especially in small
> market areas and in small quantity containers. !  Copper and ceramic based anti-seize is fairly common but not good to use either
> of these - especially copper.  I have not  yet been able to find any here but have finally found a source for nickle based anti-seize "tape" that
> can be shipped to Canada.  Will have to redo the threads when that tape arrives.  Right now I have coated the bolts and threads and the
> complete assembled studs with spray on anti-corrosion grease that should hold for a while.
>
> I pass  this info along in the event that other users may be experiencing erratic SWR readings on 20M.  Check the studs holding the
> linear loading wires!
>
> 73 Frank VO1HP
>
>
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