[TowerTalk] Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions

W7TMT - Patrick W7TMT at outlook.com
Sun Sep 13 13:20:42 EDT 2020 

While not all epoxies are the same, in the boat building and repair world heat is regularly used to soften and remove cured epoxies. Most of those epoxies have a pretty low resistance to heat. 200 degrees F is enough to soften them and allow glass cloth to be lifted or hardware that has been bonded in place to be removed. While not likely a useful technique for remove the coating from an entire coil/trap assembly a heat gun might be useful on the hardware at each end. From my experience once its heated up it can be scraped and peeled off easily. YMMV but it might be worth a cautious try.

73 - Patrick, W7TMT


-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Riki, K7NJ
Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2020 09:24
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Cushcraft XM-240 Shortty-Forty questions

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-----
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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
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>>> _______________________________________________
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> 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


------------------------------

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 _______________________________________________



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------------------------------

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
_______________________________________________



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------------------------------

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
_______________________________________________



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End of TowerTalk Digest, Vol 213, Issue 18
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