[TowerTalk] Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions

Charles Gallo charlie at thegallos.com
Sun Sep 13 12:52:25 EDT 2020 

Look for something call dynasolv 711

--  
73 de KG2V
Charlie

> On Sep 13, 2020, at 12:34 PM, Riki, K7NJ <k7nj at awinets.com> wrote:
> 
> Mention was made of the possibility of removing hard epoxy.  I didn't know
> that this could be done without damaging whatever is encapsulated.  Perhaps
> there is a solvent that will do this.  I would really appreciate knowing how
> to remove epoxy (for possible future needs).  73, Riki K7NJ
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of
> towertalk-request at contesting.com
> Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2020 10:00 AM
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: TowerTalk Digest, Vol 213, Issue 18
> 
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> Today's Topics:
> 
>   1. Re: Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions (Gedas)
>   2. Re: Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions (Jon Zaimes)
>   3. Re: Congratulations to K9YC, recipient of the ARRL Technical
>      Service Award (M?ximo EA1DDO_HK1H)
>   4. Re: Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions (Gedas)
>   5. Re: Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions (Bill Parry)
> 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Sat, 12 Sep 2020 22:31:17 -0400
> From: Gedas <w8bya at mchsi.com>
> To: "towertalk at contesting.com" <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions
> Message-ID: <d36caea9-d339-c459-9ed1-87b200043c5e at mchsi.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
> 
> Although my antenna is a older XM-240 not a 40-CD2
> 
> Gedas, W8BYA EN70JT
> 
> Gallery at http://w8bya.com
> Light travels faster than sound....
> This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
> 
>> On 9/12/2020 10:26 PM, Gedas wrote:
>> I concur.....AND, the sheet metal screw will come loose and corrode 
>> the contact between the wire and the aluminum.
>> 
>> Gedas, W8BYA EN70JT
>> 
>> Gallery at http://w8bya.com
>> Light travels faster than sound....
>> This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
>> 
>>> On 9/12/2020 9:38 PM, Kim Elmore wrote:
>>> I have a genuine pre-MFJ Cushcraft 40-CD2. The loading cools on it 
>>> are covers in heat-shrink.
>>> 
>>> Kim N5OP
>>> 
>>> "People that make music together cannot be enemies, at least as long 
>>> as the music lasts." -- Paul Hindemith
>>> 
>>>> On Sep 12, 2020, at 6:19 PM, john nistico 
>>>> <electric911inc at hotmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> ?I just got a steppir with 40 meter add on it I love it.
>>>> 
>>>> Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
>>>> ________________________________
>>>> From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> on behalf of K9MA 
>>>> <k9ma at sdellington.us>
>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2020 7:08:54 PM
>>>> To: towertalk at contesting.com <towertalk at contesting.com>
>>>> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions
>>>> 
>>>> I had an original Cushcraft A3S, which had trap coils and screws coated
>>>> with the hard epoxy. The screws clearly weren't going to turn, and I
>>>> never saw any evidence of poor connections, but I suppose the material
>>>> could have yielded. Replacement traps I got from MFJ (after insect
>>>> damage) had no coating on the traps, loose screws, wires wrapped
>>>> backwards, etc. They were junk. I would not recommend buying any MFJ
>>>> Cushcraft or HyGain antennas.
>>>> 
>>>> I currently have an old Cushcraft D40, also pre-MFJ. I'm pretty sure
>>>> they have shrink tubing over the coils, though there may be epoxy under
>>>> that.
>>>> 
>>>> Unless you see evidence of poor connections at the screws, I would 
>>>> leave
>>>> them as is. If the epoxy looks like it's suffering UV damage, it might
>>>> be worth covering it with UV-resistant shrink tubing or tape. I 
>>>> wouldn't
>>>> think the stray capacitance would be as critical is it is in traps.
>>>> 
>>>> My D40 has been working for over 25 years, though I did have to replace
>>>> the center insulators, and the elements aren't quite straight any more.
>>>> 
>>>> 73,
>>>> Scott K9MA
>>>> 
>>>>> On 9/12/2020 5:07 PM, RVZ via TowerTalk wrote:
>>>>> Hi Guys,
>>>>> 
>>>>> I purchased a Cushcraft XM-240 which was new in the box but was 
>>>>> made about 10 years ago.? The label on the box says "Cushcraft 
>>>>> XM-240", and doesn't mention MFJ, so perhaps it was made by 
>>>>> Cushcraft.?? My questions pertains to the 4 loading coils.? I 
>>>>> believe the loading coils made by MFJ have heat shrink tubing over 
>>>>> the coil, is that correct? The loading coils on this XM-240 don't 
>>>>> have heat shrink tubing over them, rather the coil is covered with 
>>>>> a thick shiny black epoxy which is very hard.? The epoxy has really 
>>>>> sealed up the coils and self tapping screws that connect the coils 
>>>>> to the aluminum tubing.? I believe the epoxy would be rather 
>>>>> difficult to remove so I'm wondering if I'm likely to have reliable 
>>>>> results using the traps "as-is" for a couple years, or if I should 
>>>>> remove the hard epoxy from the self- tapping screws now and replace 
>>>>> them with screws, nuts, and lock washers?? If I do replace the 
>>>>> screws, should I cover them with more epoxy, use heat shrink 
>>>>> tubing, or both?? Thanks
>>>> ? & 73, Dick- K9OMWisconsin
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> TowerTalk mailing list
>>>>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>>>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>>>> 
>>>> -- 
>>>> Scott? K9MA
>>>> 
>>>> k9ma at sdellington.us
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> TowerTalk mailing list
>>>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> TowerTalk mailing list
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>>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> TowerTalk mailing list
>>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>> _______________________________________________
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 2
> Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2020 06:09:25 -0400
> From: "Jon Zaimes" <jz73 at verizon.net>
> To: "'RVZ'" <rlvz at aol.com>,    "'Reflectors - Towertalk at contesting.com'"
>    <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions
> Message-ID: <00ed01d689b5$f63ae8b0$e2b0ba10$@verizon.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="utf-8"
> 
> The newer XM-240s (MFJ) that I've seen use the painted-on coating, not
> shrink-wrap as the earlier ones did. I've installed a couple and have not
> had any reports of failures.
> 
> My own older XM-240, in service here about three years and in Virginia
> before that for about 12 years, has the original shrink wrap and screws, and
> I've had no problems. But others have had trouble with the screw/wire
> connection after some years of service. I have repaired these with a
> stainless through-bolt and lock nut.
> 
> W1WEF wrote up a detailed fix for this (on the earlier 40-2CD):
> https://www.yccc.org/Scuttlebutt/2008/Butt0808.pdf
> 
> 73/Jon
> 
> Jon P. Zaimes, AA1K
> Tower climber for hire
> http://www.aa1k.us/
> Cell: 302-632-2353
> 
> Reviews of AA1K tower work on eham website:
> http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/12922
> 
> Hug your favorite tower every day, and always stay connected to it.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of RVZ via
> TowerTalk
> Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2020 6:08 PM
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions
> 
> Hi Guys,
> 
> I purchased a Cushcraft XM-240 which was new in the box but was made about
> 10 years ago.  The label on the box says "Cushcraft XM-240", and doesn't
> mention MFJ, so perhaps it was made by Cushcraft.   My questions pertains to
> the 4 loading coils.  I believe the loading coils made by MFJ have heat
> shrink tubing over the coil, is that correct? The loading coils on this
> XM-240 don't have heat shrink tubing over them, rather the coil is covered
> with a thick shiny black epoxy which is very hard.  The epoxy has really
> sealed up the coils and self tapping screws that connect the coils to the
> aluminum tubing.  I believe the epoxy would be rather difficult to remove so
> I'm wondering if I'm likely to have reliable results using the traps "as-is"
> for a couple years, or if I should remove the hard epoxy from the self-
> tapping screws now and replace them with screws, nuts, and lock washers?  If
> I do replace the screws, should I cover them with more epoxy, use heat
> shrink tubing, or both?  Thanks &
>  73, Dick- K9OMWisconsin _______________________________________________
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 3
> Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2020 11:04:09 +0000
> From: M?ximo EA1DDO_HK1H <ea1ddo at hotmail.com>
> To: "TowerTalk at contesting.com" <TowerTalk at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Congratulations to K9YC, recipient of the
>    ARRL Technical Service Award
> Message-ID:
>    
> <AM6PR02MB5365640F64322D03A3C8987495220 at AM6PR02MB5365.eurprd02.prod.outlook.
> com>
>    
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
> 
> Well deserved.
> 
> Congratulations !!
> 
> 73, Maximo - EA1DDO
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of
> k7lxc--- via TowerTalk
> Sent: s?bado, 12 de septiembre de 2020 17:58
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Congratulations to K9YC, recipient of the ARRL
> Technical Service Award
> 
> ?TowerTalkians -?? ? Our very own (well, we do share him - hi) expert who
> always has something to contribute -?
> ?Congratulations on your ARRL Technical Service Award?? ??Well done and well
> deserved!?www.arrl.org/news/arrl-technical-service-award-conferred?Cheers,St
> eve? ? ?K7LXC
> _______________________________________________
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 4
> Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:28:34 -0400
> From: Gedas <w8bya at mchsi.com>
> To: "'Reflectors - Towertalk at contesting.com'"
>    <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions
> Message-ID: <12b29bb3-2162-671f-173c-559f810f025c at mchsi.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
> 
> In case you ever wonder what one looks like after taking a hit of 
> lightning........
> 
> https://w8bya.com/Gallery/HAM_RADIO/MISC/images/IMG_0274a.jpg
> 
> Gedas, W8BYA EN70JT
> 
> Gallery at http://w8bya.com
> Light travels faster than sound....
> This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
> 
>> On 9/13/2020 6:09 AM, Jon Zaimes via TowerTalk wrote:
>> The newer XM-240s (MFJ) that I've seen use the painted-on coating, not
> shrink-wrap as the earlier ones did. I've installed a couple and have not
> had any reports of failures.
>> 
>> My own older XM-240, in service here about three years and in Virginia
> before that for about 12 years, has the original shrink wrap and screws, and
> I've had no problems. But others have had trouble with the screw/wire
> connection after some years of service. I have repaired these with a
> stainless through-bolt and lock nut.
>> 
>> W1WEF wrote up a detailed fix for this (on the earlier 40-2CD):
> https://www.yccc.org/Scuttlebutt/2008/Butt0808.pdf
>> 
>> 73/Jon
>> 
>> Jon P. Zaimes, AA1K
>> Tower climber for hire
>> http://www.aa1k.us/
>> Cell: 302-632-2353
>> 
>> Reviews of AA1K tower work on eham website:
> http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/12922
>> 
>> Hug your favorite tower every day, and always stay connected to it.
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of RVZ via
> TowerTalk
>> Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2020 6:08 PM
>> To: towertalk at contesting.com
>> Subject: [TowerTalk] Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions
>> 
>> Hi Guys,
>> 
>> I purchased a Cushcraft XM-240 which was new in the box but was made about
> 10 years ago.  The label on the box says "Cushcraft XM-240", and doesn't
> mention MFJ, so perhaps it was made by Cushcraft.   My questions pertains to
> the 4 loading coils.  I believe the loading coils made by MFJ have heat
> shrink tubing over the coil, is that correct? The loading coils on this
> XM-240 don't have heat shrink tubing over them, rather the coil is covered
> with a thick shiny black epoxy which is very hard.  The epoxy has really
> sealed up the coils and self tapping screws that connect the coils to the
> aluminum tubing.  I believe the epoxy would be rather difficult to remove so
> I'm wondering if I'm likely to have reliable results using the traps "as-is"
> for a couple years, or if I should remove the hard epoxy from the self-
> tapping screws now and replace them with screws, nuts, and lock washers?  If
> I do replace the screws, should I cover them with more epoxy, use heat
> shrink tubing, or both?  Thanks
>  &
>>   73, Dick- K9OMWisconsin _______________________________________________
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 5
> Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:08:33 -0500
> From: "Bill Parry" <bparry at rgv.rr.com>
> To: "'Gedas'" <w8bya at mchsi.com>,    "'Reflectors -
>    Towertalk at contesting.com'" <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions
> Message-ID: <000701d689df$bfac9800$3f05c800$@rgv.rr.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"
> 
> Mine looked the exactly same. You could substitute my pictures for yours
> with the exact same content!  I had to replace all four coils.
> 
> Bill W5VX
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Gedas
> Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2020 9:29 AM
> To: 'Reflectors - Towertalk at contesting.com' <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions
> 
> In case you ever wonder what one looks like after taking a hit of
> lightning........
> 
> https://w8bya.com/Gallery/HAM_RADIO/MISC/images/IMG_0274a.jpg
> 
> Gedas, W8BYA EN70JT
> 
> Gallery at http://w8bya.com
> Light travels faster than sound....
> This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
> 
>> On 9/13/2020 6:09 AM, Jon Zaimes via TowerTalk wrote:
>> The newer XM-240s (MFJ) that I've seen use the painted-on coating, not
> shrink-wrap as the earlier ones did. I've installed a couple and have not
> had any reports of failures.
>> 
>> My own older XM-240, in service here about three years and in Virginia
> before that for about 12 years, has the original shrink wrap and screws, and
> I've had no problems. But others have had trouble with the screw/wire
> connection after some years of service. I have repaired these with a
> stainless through-bolt and lock nut.
>> 
>> W1WEF wrote up a detailed fix for this (on the earlier 40-2CD): 
>> https://www.yccc.org/Scuttlebutt/2008/Butt0808.pdf
>> 
>> 73/Jon
>> 
>> Jon P. Zaimes, AA1K
>> Tower climber for hire
>> http://www.aa1k.us/
>> Cell: 302-632-2353
>> 
>> Reviews of AA1K tower work on eham website: 
>> http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/12922
>> 
>> Hug your favorite tower every day, and always stay connected to it.
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of RVZ 
>> via TowerTalk
>> Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2020 6:08 PM
>> To: towertalk at contesting.com
>> Subject: [TowerTalk] Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions
>> 
>> Hi Guys,
>> 
>> I purchased a Cushcraft XM-240 which was new in the box but was made about
> 10 years ago.  The label on the box says "Cushcraft XM-240", and doesn't
> mention MFJ, so perhaps it was made by Cushcraft.   My questions pertains to
> the 4 loading coils.  I believe the loading coils made by MFJ have heat
> shrink tubing over the coil, is that correct? The loading coils on this
> XM-240 don't have heat shrink tubing over them, rather the coil is covered
> with a thick shiny black epoxy which is very hard.  The epoxy has really
> sealed up the coils and self tapping screws that connect the coils to the
> aluminum tubing.  I believe the epoxy would be rather difficult to remove so
> I'm wondering if I'm likely to have reliable results using the traps "as-is"
> for a couple years, or if I should remove the hard epoxy from the self-
> tapping screws now and replace them with screws, nuts, and lock washers?  If
> I do replace the screws, should I cover them with more epoxy, use heat
> shrink tubing, or both?  Thanks
>  &
>>   73, Dick- K9OMWisconsin 
>> _______________________________________________
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> _______________________________________________
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
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> ------------------------------
> 
> End of TowerTalk Digest, Vol 213, Issue 18
> ******************************************
> 
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