Steve:
Thanks for the great tips!
I'll keep you and everyone posted.
Have to run off to work now, so I can make more money to continue working on
that ham radio wish list! (smile)
Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Forst" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2012 2:07 AM
Subject: Re: Need ideas for protecting round lug terminals on coax feedline
for RV Screw-driver HF antenna
> Tom,
>
> I like the ideas you've already gotten, but I would also be sure to
> clean all corrosion from the terminal, whatever the terminal mounts
> to, and the screw itself. Use a little steel wool, or swipe a plastic
> pot scrubber from the kitchen, or one of your XYL's emery boards when
> her back is turned. If you use steel wool, be sure not to leave behind
> any little bits of it.
>
> Before reassembly, I'd use a dab of Penatrox or something similar. It's
> also called No-a-lox and probably a few other things. Can be had at the
> Homo Depot or electrical place. It's used to prevent corrosion
> between dissimilar metals. You only need a little bit. Just a thin film
> on the mounting surface, both sides of the terminal, and the screw.
> Don't overdue it. This stuff also comes packed along with
> aluminum antennas for putting between joints during assembly, so you
> may have some kicking around.
>
> I'd also wonder about the connection between the wire and terminal. If
> it's soldered, it's probably fine, if its just crimped, who knows.
> Either way, I'd check here for problems and at least do a continuity
> test from end to end.
>
> 73, Steve KW3A
>
> On 8/7/2012 10:09 PM, Tom Behler wrote:
>> Hey, all.
>>
>> I am sure this will sound very elementary to some on the list, but you
>> guys
>> are a tolerant group with lots of good Elmering, so here goes:
>>
>> In a last-ditch effort to troubleshoot the screw-driver HF antenna on my
>> RV,
>> I'm going to carefully examine the feed line for any problems. There are
>> also two round lug terminals on the antenna end of the feed line that I'm
>> also going to replace. One of the terminals is secured by a small round
>> screw to the radiating element of the antenna, while the other screw
>> secures
>> the round terminal lug that goes to ground.
>>
>> Tonight, we were out at the RV briefly, and I checked the original round
>> lugs on the feed line, and, despite my best efforts to protect them, they
>> still felt corroded to me.
>>
>> So, my question is this:
>>
>> How does one best protect round terminal lugs that are subjected to
>> outdoor
>> conditions from corosion?
>>
>> I had used a small can of liquid tape from, I think, Lowes, but I
>> honestly
>> am not sure it did the job adequately.
>>
>> Any suggestions would be helpful, and, of course, I'll let everyone know
>> how
>> things turn out this week-end, when I'm out at the RV and have time to do
>> the work.
>>
>> 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
>>
>>
>>
>
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