Barb:

Yeah, Steve and some others on the list have mentioned that sort of tape, 
and what I really need to do is check back in my saved file for the info and 
just order some.

Will see how things progress from here.

73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Barbara Lombardi" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2011 10:03 AM
Subject: Re: Some updates from KB8TYJ


Sounds like good progress tom. And last weekend, a ham friend used this
silicon tape, it sticks to itself and stretches so that there's just the
tension around what you are connecting it to.  Guess its like shrink wrap
and supposed to be very water resistant.  The tape part feels like rubber.



-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of tom behler
Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2011 7:00 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Some updates from KB8TYJ

Hi, all.

Well, I have a ffew updates for the list on the various station issues I
have been wrestling with lately, and the news seems to be reasonably good.

First, I think I finally got to the source of the RFI problem in my station,
especially on 20 meters, when using the alpha Delta DXCC antenna.  It turns
out the the problem was with my Heil FS2 foot switch.  It's a long story,
but there appears to be a short in the amplifier cable, which causes the
switch to malfunction, and which also has led to a floating ground of sorts.

I've been working with Kevin (K7RX) on this, and even Bob Heil from Heil
Sound, and the foot switch is now going to the Heil Hospital for either
repair or replacement.  Fortunately, it's under warranty.

Second, I believe I have just taken some major steps toward solving the feed
line problem with my Carolina Windom 160 compact antenna.  Yesterday
afternoon, a local ham helped me  replace the feed line connector, and the
antenna seems to be working again.  Some of the SWR's are a bit different
now than my original readings, but the SWR's on some bands are actually
better.  For example, even though the true SWR's on 160 are still a bit
high, I can actually tune the antenna with the TS480 auto-tuner.

The problem with the antenna was just as we suspected, and as Terry Robinson
on the list described earlier.  Water apparently got in at the feed point
connection, thereby causing things to arc.  In fact, we actually found some
water still dripping out of the connection.  We  put a new connector on the
feed line, and tried to thoroughly re-seal the feed point connection, first
with liquid tape, and then with the black coax seal stuff.  I don't know if
my help ultimately put electrical tape on the connection but I am thinking
that he did.  Time obviously will tell if things are truly working again,
but with the fairly reasonable SWR's I'm getting, I can't believe that the
matching unit was severely damaged or fried.

Finally, with regard to today's round table, I am not totally sure if I'll
be there or not.  Due to the antenna work yesterday afternoon, I am now
behind on some other things I need to get done, and those things might have
to be taken care of this afternoon.  If I can be there, I will, especially
since it will give me a chance to test the Windom on 40 meters, but I simply
can't guarantee it.  So, if someone else can be around to take the helm, I'd
appreciate that.  Don't forget that we'll be competing with the Virginia QSO
Party, and the Oklahoma QSO Party.

73 from Tom Behler:  KB8TYJ