Hose clamps, the fix-all of ham radio antennas, have a hidden problem. I
did some yagi maintenance and found my stainless steel hose clamps holding
the elements had severe corrosion, enough for failure vy soon (after being
up 15 yrs). The band and the fitting that holds the screw were like the day
installed, but the screw was nearly all rust. Only one clamp was ok, and it
was stamped all stainless.
The nolox compound for anti-seize and help with joints of dissimilar
metals was somewhat washed away but still functional.
The Cushcraft boots over the coax plugs were ok and did their sealing job
great.
Coax cable should be changed out every 8 to 10 yrs, unless using some really
great stuff.
Silicone sealer worked great when used where it can evaporate its
plasticiser but not inside anything, and it is vy good as a damper of
vibration on wires and nuts.
Remember, never stretch the last three inches of plastic electrical tape at
the end of a wrap. 73
Charles Harpole
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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