[TowerTalk] Force 12 C3SS Galvanic Corrosion 20M

[Jim W7RY]

A better link...

http://www.mcmaster.com/#antiseize-lubricants/=e3f0vw

Your link did not work. Mine may not either.

73
Jim W7RY


--------------------------------------------------
From: "Grant Saviers" <grants2 at pacbell.net>
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 7:58 AM
To: "Frank Davis" <fdavis at nfld.net>
Cc: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Force 12 C3SS  Galvanic Corrosion 20M

> 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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