[Moon-net] Array Deterioration

[Bernhard E. Keiser]

John, I've experienced the same problem (not hearing well), and am looking 
for the solution.  However, all my coax connectors are covered with 
Coax-Seal.  Were yours?
73,  Bernie. W4SW

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Fridenstine" <w8pat at eriewave.com>
To: "moon net" <Moon-net at list-serv.davidv.net>
Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 10:17 AM
Subject: [Moon-net] Array Deterioration


> Hello All,
>
> During the Fall my two meter EME array became increasingly hard of 
> hearing.  Even the big guns were weak.  Something was wrong but nothing 
> changed on the transmit side.  SWR was still 1:1, load, tuning and  power 
> out, all 350 watts, remained perfect.
>
> Fortunately December 28 was a sunny and unusually warm winter day.  I got 
> out the ladder and started unwrapping N connecters.  I disconnected cables 
> looking for a problem.   Before reassembling I brushed the internal mating 
> surfaces with a brass brush and weatherproofed.  I did the same to all 
> eleven connectors but was disappointed to find no obvious problem.
>
> That evening, the 29th UTC, I worked several larger stations and signals 
> seemed better.  During the last 10 days I have found I can hear and work 
> the smaller stations again.  Thirty QSOs,  eleven new initials and three 
> new DXCC since I cleaned the connectors.
>
> The current array, 4x12, had only been assembled 18 months ago so I didn't 
> really think there would have been a problem unless water had infiltrated 
> the connectors.  I wonder if the change in temperature caused condensation 
> corrosion under the water proofing.  Or perhaps it was just the normal 
> corrosion of silver surfaces
>
> I wonder if others have had similar experiences.
>
> 73,
> John W8PAT EN81vg
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