Dave, My times technologies T100 says the switching block failed. I am not worried about cosmetics. Cosmetics don't get grid squares. Have fun, Norm n3ykf
On Tue, Dec 10, 2013 at 3:46 PM, David Metz <davem...@machlink.com> wrote: > The damage shown in the photos is simply the plastic (my guess is it is > Delrin) breaking down from UV exposure. Back in the 80's I built my own > circular polarized antennas for 70cm and 2M for AO-13. Having a lathe I > made some parts from white Delrin (a nylon like material). After about ten > years it showed the same UV damage. Note that the black plastic element > insulators in the photos are not cracked. The black pigment used in the > element insulators apparently protects them from UV. After learning this > lesson I started using the black Delrin for my home brew antennas and have > had no problems with UV damage. All that said, some plastics are more > resistant to UV than others. I have two M2 antennas in use for terrestrial > use and after ten years of being up in the elements they are both working > well. Note that the UV damage may not have gone all the way to the core of > the component yet. If it is still mechanically intact (and just looks > awful), it can be salvaged by coating it with a thick black sealant and > covering that with black electrical tape. > > --73-- Dave WA0AUQ > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
