Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
The only thing that would concern me about buying this (NOS) material of unknown date of manufacture from eBay is that it does have a shelf life of 5 years in its pre-stretched state when properly stored (50-80 deg F at less than 75% relative humidity). If it’s been stored in someone’s hot humid garage or been rattling around in a tool box in a pickup bed in the sun for a couple of years before it hits the auction site, there’s no telling. I suspect at some point it won’t shrink as much as the specification. But it is less expensive from most sellers than the retail pricing. Grant NQ5T > On Jun 6, 2020, at 12:26 AM, donov...@starpower.net wrote: > > Cold shrink tubing is widely available on eBay, usually about ten dollars > each > > - Original Message - > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
Cold shrink tubing is widely available on eBay, usually about ten dollars each - Original Message - From: "Peter Dougherty" To: donov...@starpower.net, "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Friday, June 5, 2020 4:13:03 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline First time I've ever heard of this product and it's quite intriguing. Where is this available from in quantities a typical home station would use? I go through a 3 foot section of .75" marine grade heat shrink in about 3-5 years. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of donov...@starpower.net Sent: Friday, June 5, 2020 2:03 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline This is an interesting video demonstrating the relative benefits of heat shrink and cold shrink tubing www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSOXfkB6Jgw 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: "Peter Dougherty" To: "Edward R Cole" , "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:01:59 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline Ed, this is the stuff I use on my outdoor connectors: https://tinyurl.com/y7uqqwsb Marine grade adhesive lined. 3/4" for plain ol' PL259 connections, and 1" for N connectors. And I mis-spoke (mis-typed??) earlier. Had a senior moment when I said Scotch 130 and Scotch 88 was my default. That HAD BEEN my default. My new default from about 3 or 4 years ago is Scotch 130 and this heat shrink if it's in the air, and just the marine grade heat shrink if it's at ground level. I find this combination to be unbeatable. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Edward R Cole Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:36 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline Some large coax connectors are supplied with heat shrink that has a melted inner "goo" which is very good sealant. I've found removal is not messy so apparently the "goo" cures in some manner. Pretty sure you can buy it at commercial electrical suppliers (but probably in 4-foot chunks which will cost you). I buy my ordinary heat shrink and tywraps (Thomas & Betts) from a local commercial electrical supply house. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donov...@starpower.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to li...@w2irt.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
Ouch! I'll get a few of these but reserve them for anything in the air that's difficult to access. I still have about 5 feet of the Ancor marine heat shrink for anything at ground level. - pjd -Original Message- From: Grant Youngman DigiKey has it in 6” or 8” pieces of various diameters. It runs around $25.00 per piece, with quantity discounts. Not inexpensive … __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
DigiKey has it in 6” or 8” pieces of various diameters. It runs around $25.00 per piece, with quantity discounts. Not inexpensive … Grant NQ5T > On Jun 5, 2020, at 12:13 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: > > First time I've ever heard of this product and it's quite intriguing. Where > is this available from in quantities a typical home station would use? I go > through a 3 foot section of .75" marine grade heat shrink in about 3-5 > years. > > - pjd > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On > Behalf Of donov...@starpower.net > Sent: Friday, June 5, 2020 2:03 AM > To: Elecraft Reflector > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline > > This is an interesting video demonstrating the relative benefits of heat > shrink and cold shrink tubing > > > www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSOXfkB6Jgw > > > 73 > Frank > W3LPL > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
First time I've ever heard of this product and it's quite intriguing. Where is this available from in quantities a typical home station would use? I go through a 3 foot section of .75" marine grade heat shrink in about 3-5 years. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of donov...@starpower.net Sent: Friday, June 5, 2020 2:03 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline This is an interesting video demonstrating the relative benefits of heat shrink and cold shrink tubing www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSOXfkB6Jgw 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: "Peter Dougherty" To: "Edward R Cole" , "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:01:59 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline Ed, this is the stuff I use on my outdoor connectors: https://tinyurl.com/y7uqqwsb Marine grade adhesive lined. 3/4" for plain ol' PL259 connections, and 1" for N connectors. And I mis-spoke (mis-typed??) earlier. Had a senior moment when I said Scotch 130 and Scotch 88 was my default. That HAD BEEN my default. My new default from about 3 or 4 years ago is Scotch 130 and this heat shrink if it's in the air, and just the marine grade heat shrink if it's at ground level. I find this combination to be unbeatable. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Edward R Cole Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:36 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline Some large coax connectors are supplied with heat shrink that has a melted inner "goo" which is very good sealant. I've found removal is not messy so apparently the "goo" cures in some manner. Pretty sure you can buy it at commercial electrical suppliers (but probably in 4-foot chunks which will cost you). I buy my ordinary heat shrink and tywraps (Thomas & Betts) from a local commercial electrical supply house. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donov...@starpower.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to li...@w2irt.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
I have successfully used a method of water-proofing a coax splice by first coating the outside of the connectors with silicone (di-electric) grease, then wrapping about 18" X 5" (or?) piece of plain plastic garbage bag around the junction. The next step is to wrap that with several layers of good electrical tape extending the wrap about 2 inches past the plastic. I do NOT like the scotch stuff since the adhesive gets gooey over time. Believe it or not, the cheap chicom stuff Harbor Freight sells is quite good. I have opened up fittings done this way this over ten years later and the connection is bright & shiny with no hint of water corrosion. 73, Charlie k3ICH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
This is an interesting video demonstrating the relative benefits of heat shrink and cold shrink tubing www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSOXfkB6Jgw 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: "Peter Dougherty" To: "Edward R Cole" , "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:01:59 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline Ed, this is the stuff I use on my outdoor connectors: https://tinyurl.com/y7uqqwsb Marine grade adhesive lined. 3/4" for plain ol' PL259 connections, and 1" for N connectors. And I mis-spoke (mis-typed??) earlier. Had a senior moment when I said Scotch 130 and Scotch 88 was my default. That HAD BEEN my default. My new default from about 3 or 4 years ago is Scotch 130 and this heat shrink if it's in the air, and just the marine grade heat shrink if it's at ground level. I find this combination to be unbeatable. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Edward R Cole Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:36 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline Some large coax connectors are supplied with heat shrink that has a melted inner "goo" which is very good sealant. I've found removal is not messy so apparently the "goo" cures in some manner. Pretty sure you can buy it at commercial electrical suppliers (but probably in 4-foot chunks which will cost you). I buy my ordinary heat shrink and tywraps (Thomas & Betts) from a local commercial electrical supply house. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donov...@starpower.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
On 6/4/2020 7:55 PM, Phil Kane wrote: It's also FAR easier than 3M mastic tape to open up if you need to change something. That's what they make X-acto knives for. Right. Of course -- that works with Rescue Tape, but it doesn't work at all with 3M Mastic tapes -- they are a real PITA to remove. I never reuse "taken off" tape. Of course not. The difference is the time it takes. I unwrap the Scotch 88 outer layer, then slit along the length of cable and the Rescue Tape peels off in a few seconds! I considered myself doing well to get Mastic off in 15 minutes! The mastic I'm talking about is 3M 2228. The reason for unwrapping the 88 is so that I don't damage the cable's outer jacket. I just ordered a box of Scotch 130C to have on hand. Thanks and 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
On 6/4/2020 7:59 AM, Dave Cole wrote: > I have that same problem, maybe 1 in 10 or 2,0 I slice the cable or my > hand... ;) I have to introduce you to my cousin the eye surgeon who can teach you to avoid things like that! :) One of the stunts that he does to show off is to peel the red skin off an apple and leave the green under-skin intact. 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 >From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
On 6/3/2020 9:17 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > It's also FAR easier than 3M mastic tape to open up if you need to > change something. That's what they make X-acto knives for. I never reuse "taken off" tape. 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 >From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
I NEVER use a knife to remove connector protection. For decades I have used single-edged razor blades ONE-time use on stuff like connectors. I keep a box of 100 in the garage, my office, my networking box, my radio box, et al. Pull out a new one to slit the cover and then wrap in a paper towel and dispose of properly. 99% of the time if I "slip" and cut something I don't want to cut is because the blade wasn't sharp enough for the job AKA: applying too much force trying to push a dull edge through a material. These days, I also carry an OLFA H-1 heavy duty retractable razor knife with big thick snappable section blades. I use this in the construction/renovation stuff where I want a handle for the blade. But I STILL use SE razor blades without a handle for detail work. 73, __ Clay Autery, KY5G (318) 518-1389 On 06/04/20 09:59, Dave Cole wrote: I have that same problem, maybe 1 in 10 or 2,0 I slice the cable or my hand... ;) 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/4/20 7:44 AM, Peter Dougherty wrote: This is my default procedure, but every so often the knife slips when I'm removing it and I end up slicing into the cable jacket itself. Usually no big deal; cut it and pop on a new connector, but if it's on the antenna end it's not so trivial. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Dave ColeI always use Scotch 130, (self fusing tape), first, then Scotch 88. I cut the tape down the long axis, and it opes up like a peanut, leaving no residue or old tape. 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k...@montac.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
Yup.;.. :) 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/4/20 8:47 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: Weren't you taught not to whittle toward yourself and not to spit into the wind? Neither works. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 6/4/2020 9:59 AM, Dave Cole wrote: I have that same problem, maybe 1 in 10 or 2,0 I slice the cable or my hand... ;) 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/4/20 7:44 AM, Peter Dougherty wrote: This is my default procedure, but every so often the knife slips when I'm removing it and I end up slicing into the cable jacket itself. Usually no big deal; cut it and pop on a new connector, but if it's on the antenna end it's not so trivial. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Dave ColeI always use Scotch 130, (self fusing tape), first, then Scotch 88. I cut the tape down the long axis, and it opes up like a peanut, leaving no residue or old tape. 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rmcg...@blomand.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
Weren't you taught not to whittle toward yourself and not to spit into the wind? Neither works. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 6/4/2020 9:59 AM, Dave Cole wrote: I have that same problem, maybe 1 in 10 or 2,0 I slice the cable or my hand... ;) 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/4/20 7:44 AM, Peter Dougherty wrote: This is my default procedure, but every so often the knife slips when I'm removing it and I end up slicing into the cable jacket itself. Usually no big deal; cut it and pop on a new connector, but if it's on the antenna end it's not so trivial. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Dave ColeI always use Scotch 130, (self fusing tape), first, then Scotch 88. I cut the tape down the long axis, and it opes up like a peanut, leaving no residue or old tape. 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rmcg...@blomand.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
This is my default procedure, but every so often the knife slips when I'm removing it and I end up slicing into the cable jacket itself. Usually no big deal; cut it and pop on a new connector, but if it's on the antenna end it's not so trivial. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Dave ColeI always use Scotch 130, (self fusing tape), first, then Scotch 88. I cut the tape down the long axis, and it opes up like a peanut, leaving no residue or old tape. 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
Never sliced my hand (thankfully), but yeah, I've damaged the cable a few times. See my correction, though; I use the 130 and marine grade heat shrink as my default, not 130 and 88. I *_did_* use 130+88 on the LFA yesterday, which is where this current discussion started. - pjd -Original Message- From: Dave Cole Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 10:59 AM To: Peter Dougherty ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline I have that same problem, maybe 1 in 10 or 2,0 I slice the cable or my hand... ;) 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/4/20 7:44 AM, Peter Dougherty wrote: > This is my default procedure, but every so often the knife slips when I'm > removing it and I end up slicing into the cable jacket itself. Usually no big > deal; cut it and pop on a new connector, but if it's on the antenna end it's > not so trivial. > > - pjd > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On > Behalf Of Dave ColeI always use Scotch 130, (self fusing tape), first, then > Scotch 88. I cut the tape down the long axis, and it opes up like a peanut, > leaving no residue or old tape. > > 73, and thanks, > Dave (NK7Z) > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
Ed, this is the stuff I use on my outdoor connectors: https://tinyurl.com/y7uqqwsb Marine grade adhesive lined. 3/4" for plain ol' PL259 connections, and 1" for N connectors. And I mis-spoke (mis-typed??) earlier. Had a senior moment when I said Scotch 130 and Scotch 88 was my default. That HAD BEEN my default. My new default from about 3 or 4 years ago is Scotch 130 and this heat shrink if it's in the air, and just the marine grade heat shrink if it's at ground level. I find this combination to be unbeatable. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Edward R Cole Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:36 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline Some large coax connectors are supplied with heat shrink that has a melted inner "goo" which is very good sealant. I've found removal is not messy so apparently the "goo" cures in some manner. Pretty sure you can buy it at commercial electrical suppliers (but probably in 4-foot chunks which will cost you). I buy my ordinary heat shrink and tywraps (Thomas & Betts) from a local commercial electrical supply house. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
I have that same problem, maybe 1 in 10 or 2,0 I slice the cable or my hand... ;) 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/4/20 7:44 AM, Peter Dougherty wrote: This is my default procedure, but every so often the knife slips when I'm removing it and I end up slicing into the cable jacket itself. Usually no big deal; cut it and pop on a new connector, but if it's on the antenna end it's not so trivial. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Dave ColeI always use Scotch 130, (self fusing tape), first, then Scotch 88. I cut the tape down the long axis, and it opes up like a peanut, leaving no residue or old tape. 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
Time to put some of my current heatshrink on an old connector and throw it in the freezer, thanks for the tip!!! 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/4/20 12:35 AM, Edward R Cole wrote: My two cents worth: Professionally, I used a layer of Scotch-70 self-fusing tape covered by two layers of Scoth-33+ black electric tape. This was on coax cable connectors on small vessels that were in salt-water exposure. Removing 5-years afterward, connectors were still bright,dry, and looking like new. Scotch-70 is expensive (I paid $30 per roll over ten years ago for it). But when you got guys on board a 26-foot boat in the North Pacific with very high seas (like 30-foot) you want their Marine Radio to work. At home, I use heat shrink with two layers of Scotch-33+ fairly reliably. If things are too close to wrap with tape then a layer of Scotch-Kote seals heat shrink, thoroughly. I don't use sticky, messy stuff like Coax Seal. Scotch-70 molds into a seamless covering and slits easily with a razor knife. Some large coax connectors are supplied with heat shrink that has a melted inner "goo" which is very good sealant. I've found removal is not messy so apparently the "goo" cures in some manner. Pretty sure you can buy it at commercial electrical suppliers (but probably in 4-foot chunks which will cost you). I buy my ordinary heat shrink and tywraps (Thomas & Betts) from a local commercial electrical supply house. When temperatures dip to -30F the cheap stuff gets brittle and breaks. That's not when I want to climb a tower. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
Scotch-70 is $17.50 a roll on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Scotch-70-Self-Fusing-Silicone-Electrical/dp/B0029Z5RSY On Thu, Jun 4, 2020 at 3:36 AM Edward R Cole wrote: > My two cents worth: > > Professionally, I used a layer of Scotch-70 self-fusing tape covered > by two layers of Scoth-33+ black electric tape. This was on coax > cable connectors on small vessels that were in salt-water > exposure. Removing 5-years afterward, connectors were still > bright,dry, and looking like new. > > Scotch-70 is expensive (I paid $30 per roll over ten years ago for > it). But when you got guys on board a 26-foot boat in the North > Pacific with very high seas (like 30-foot) you want their Marine Radio to > work. > > At home, I use heat shrink with two layers of Scotch-33+ fairly > reliably. If things are too close to wrap with tape then a layer of > Scotch-Kote seals heat shrink, thoroughly. > > I don't use sticky, messy stuff like Coax Seal. Scotch-70 molds into > a seamless covering and slits easily with a razor knife. > > Some large coax connectors are supplied with heat shrink that has a > melted inner "goo" which is very good sealant. I've found removal is > not messy so apparently the "goo" cures in some manner. Pretty sure > you can buy it at commercial electrical suppliers (but probably in > 4-foot chunks which will cost you). I buy my ordinary heat shrink > and tywraps (Thomas & Betts) from a local commercial electrical supply > house. > > When temperatures dip to -30F the cheap stuff gets brittle and > breaks. That's not when I want to climb a tower. > > 73, Ed - KL7UW >http://www.kl7uw.com > Dubus-NA Business mail: >dubus...@gmail.com > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to k1rd...@gmail.com > -- --... ...-- Doug __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
My two cents worth: Professionally, I used a layer of Scotch-70 self-fusing tape covered by two layers of Scoth-33+ black electric tape. This was on coax cable connectors on small vessels that were in salt-water exposure. Removing 5-years afterward, connectors were still bright,dry, and looking like new. Scotch-70 is expensive (I paid $30 per roll over ten years ago for it). But when you got guys on board a 26-foot boat in the North Pacific with very high seas (like 30-foot) you want their Marine Radio to work. At home, I use heat shrink with two layers of Scotch-33+ fairly reliably. If things are too close to wrap with tape then a layer of Scotch-Kote seals heat shrink, thoroughly. I don't use sticky, messy stuff like Coax Seal. Scotch-70 molds into a seamless covering and slits easily with a razor knife. Some large coax connectors are supplied with heat shrink that has a melted inner "goo" which is very good sealant. I've found removal is not messy so apparently the "goo" cures in some manner. Pretty sure you can buy it at commercial electrical suppliers (but probably in 4-foot chunks which will cost you). I buy my ordinary heat shrink and tywraps (Thomas & Betts) from a local commercial electrical supply house. When temperatures dip to -30F the cheap stuff gets brittle and breaks. That's not when I want to climb a tower. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
After taping up the feed point connection on my LFA, I coated it with liquid tape. Did some maintenance on it 6 years later and the connection was still secure and showed little evidence of UV deterioration. John. On 03/06/2020 9:52 p.m., donov...@starpower.net wrote: Hi Jim, I've had good success with liquid electrical tape, but I use it only as a last resort when Scotch 130C and Scotch 33 or 88 can't be used 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: "Jim Brown" To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 4:25:24 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline On 6/3/2020 4:26 PM, donov...@starpower.net wrote: But I never use Scotchkote because UV very quickly destroys it. Frank, Do you have experience with Liquid Electrical Tape? We've been using it to seal exposed ends of choke splices for a year or two, not enough to see issues if there are any. Our applications are the dipole centers with chokes and inline chokes as we showed in the 2018 Cookbook. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donov...@starpower.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to ve7...@telus.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
I always use Scotch 130, (self fusing tape), first, then Scotch 88. I cut the tape down the long axis, and it opes up like a peanut, leaving no residue or old tape. 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/3/20 12:48 PM, Buck wrote: Electrical tape, then the self-fusing tape, then electrical tape. The first layer of electrical tape makes it easier to removing the fusing tape later Buck, k4ia Honor Roll 8BDXCC EasyWayHamBooks.com On 6/3/2020 12:58 PM, Clay Autery wrote: I've got to get to class, but there are a NUMBER of different methods and procedures that are used. Self-fusing tape properly applied covered by top-quality electrical tape to protect the self-fusing tape from UV... There are specific points on installation that you want to observe. Someone will chime in with deatil or a reference to a procedure... If not, I will do it later... Class in 3 minutes. 73, __ Clay Autery, KY5G (318) 518-1389 On 06/03/20 10:35, Peter Dougherty wrote: No, and I wasn't sure how to accomplish this. It's stainless hardware, but I'm guessing I should probably wrap the feedpoint up in self-annealing tape and Scotch 88 just to be safe. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Dave Cole Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 7:27 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline Hi, Is the open end of that feedline where it connects to the antenna weatherproofed? 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/2/20 8:15 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: HI all, A postscript to the problem. First off, a huge thank you to the many replies received. I was fortunate that the problem was not in the KPA-1500 as I'd originally feared. Much troubleshooting within the past few days. Originally the amp was "iffy" on the old M-squared 6m5, and problematic (faulting) during damp or wet weather. This prompted the replacement of both the antenna and feedline. The hard faults were still occurring, until it was suggested the Ten-Tec 238 tuner that I was using exclusively for the built-in antenna switch was now the issue. I took this out of line today, and lowered the tower to fine-tune the LFA's feed point and now everything is humming along just nicely. The KPA-1500 is happy at 1.5 kW and showing an SWR of 1.2 in dry conditions. I will keep my fingers crossed that the wet weather expected in the next day or so won't bother it all that much. The final step was to move the 6m feedline from the secondary inlet box to the main antenna switch on the big tower. The downside here is I now have an additional 70 feet of BuryFlex in the line, so I'm guessing a total of about 1.5 to 1.7dB of feedline loss. This is something I would like to address in the future with an eye to dropping it below 1dB. Screencaps: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1y4vyd17pbgq8ty/6m%20via%20the%20antenna%20s witch.png?dl=0 And https://www.dropbox.com/s/5x8n0bum4nwcxqp/6m%20LFA%20-%20SWR%20after%2 0tuning.png?dl=0 And for the balun discussion, this is what's in place, before the double-walled heat-shrink was applied: https://www.dropbox.com/s/18pgthl67rtq3bl/2020-05-31%2017.51.08.jpg?dl =0 - pjd __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to li...@w2irt.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k...@montac.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to radiok...@gmail.com __ Elecra
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
Use Scotch 130, better than rescue tape. 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/3/20 11:50 AM, Phil Kane wrote: On 6/3/2020 8:35 AM, Peter Dougherty wrote: No, and I wasn't sure how to accomplish this. It's stainless hardware, but I'm guessing I should probably wrap the feedpoint up in self-annealing tape and Scotch 88 just to be safe. Rescue Tape to the rescue. - also available from the Amazing place. Originally developed as a repair tape, it's stretchable, self-sealing, high insulation rated, UV resistant, comes in several colors for easy ID, and no residue when removed. I had several antenna feed points wrapped with it and after 10+ years the connectors underneath were as bright and shiny as they were when first installed. 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
Hi Jim, I've had good success with liquid electrical tape, but I use it only as a last resort when Scotch 130C and Scotch 33 or 88 can't be used 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: "Jim Brown" To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 4:25:24 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline On 6/3/2020 4:26 PM, donov...@starpower.net wrote: > But I never use Scotchkote > because UV very quickly destroys it. Frank, Do you have experience with Liquid Electrical Tape? We've been using it to seal exposed ends of choke splices for a year or two, not enough to see issues if there are any. Our applications are the dipole centers with chokes and inline chokes as we showed in the 2018 Cookbook. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donov...@starpower.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
On 6/3/2020 4:26 PM, donov...@starpower.net wrote: But I never use Scotchkote because UV very quickly destroys it. Frank, Do you have experience with Liquid Electrical Tape? We've been using it to seal exposed ends of choke splices for a year or two, not enough to see issues if there are any. Our applications are the dipole centers with chokes and inline chokes as we showed in the 2018 Cookbook. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
On 6/3/2020 9:58 AM, Clay Autery wrote: Self-fusing tape properly applied covered by top-quality electrical tape to protect the self-fusing tape from UV... This is what I and several friends have been doing for a while, and we think it works well. The self-fusing tape we use is Rescue Tape. The covering tape is Scotch 88. It's also FAR easier than 3M mastic tape to open up if you need to change something. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
I have used a very thick non migrating silicone vacuum grease on the UHF connectors in the past to waterproof them. I put some on the threads and on the rear of the center section that the barrel pushes against. They have been up at 40 feet in all kinds of weather for 30 years with no problems. I considered tape, etc. but it seemed that if some water got in, it would have difficulty getting out. Better to not provide a container for water. Jack BMW Motorcycles Chuck KE9UW c-haw...@illinois.edu Sent from my iPad > On Jun 3, 2020, at 2:50 PM, Buck wrote: > > Electrical tape, then the self-fusing tape, then electrical tape. The first > layer of electrical tape makes it easier to removing the fusing tape later > > Buck, k4ia > Honor Roll > 8BDXCC > EasyWayHamBooks.com > >> On 6/3/2020 12:58 PM, Clay Autery wrote: >> I've got to get to class, but there are a NUMBER of different methods and >> procedures that are used. >> Self-fusing tape properly applied covered by top-quality electrical tape to >> protect the self-fusing tape from UV... >> There are specific points on installation that you want to observe. >> Someone will chime in with deatil or a reference to a procedure... If not, >> I will do it later... Class in 3 minutes. >> 73, >> __ >> Clay Autery, KY5G >> (318) 518-1389 >>> On 06/03/20 10:35, Peter Dougherty wrote: >>> No, and I wasn't sure how to accomplish this. It's stainless hardware, but >>> I'm guessing I should probably wrap the feedpoint up in self-annealing tape >>> and Scotch 88 just to be safe. >>> >>> - pjd >>> >>> -Original Message- >>> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On >>> Behalf Of Dave Cole >>> Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 7:27 AM >>> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline >>> >>> Hi, >>> >>> Is the open end of that feedline where it connects to the antenna >>> weatherproofed? >>> >>> 73, and thanks, >>> Dave (NK7Z) >>> https://www.nk7z.net >>> ARRL Volunteer Examiner >>> ARRL Technical Specialist >>> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources >>> >>> On 6/2/20 8:15 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: >>>> HI all, >>>> >>>> A postscript to the problem. First off, a huge thank you to the many >>> replies received. I was fortunate that the problem was not in the KPA-1500 >>> as I'd originally feared. >>>> Much troubleshooting within the past few days. Originally the amp was >>> "iffy" on the old M-squared 6m5, and problematic (faulting) during damp or >>> wet weather. This prompted the replacement of both the antenna and feedline. >>>> The hard faults were still occurring, until it was suggested the Ten-Tec >>> 238 tuner that I was using exclusively for the built-in antenna switch was >>> now the issue. I took this out of line today, and lowered the tower to >>> fine-tune the LFA's feed point and now everything is humming along just >>> nicely. The KPA-1500 is happy at 1.5 kW and showing an SWR of 1.2 in dry >>> conditions. I will keep my fingers crossed that the wet weather expected in >>> the next day or so won't bother it all that much. >>>> The final step was to move the 6m feedline from the secondary inlet box to >>> the main antenna switch on the big tower. The downside here is I now have an >>> additional 70 feet of BuryFlex in the line, so I'm guessing a total of about >>> 1.5 to 1.7dB of feedline loss. This is something I would like to address in >>> the future with an eye to dropping it below 1dB. >>>> Screencaps: >>>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/1y4vyd17pbgq8ty/6m%20via%20the%20antenna%20s >>>> witch.png?dl=0 >>>> >>>> And >>>> >>>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/5x8n0bum4nwcxqp/6m%20LFA%20-%20SWR%20after%2 >>>> 0tuning.png?dl=0 >>>> >>>> And for the balun discussion, this is what's in place, before the >>>> double-walled heat-shrink was applied: >>>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/18pgthl67rtq3bl/2020-05-31%2017.51.08.jpg?dl >>>> =0 >>>> >>>>- pjd >>>> >>>> __ >>>> Elecraft mailing list >>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>>> Post: mail
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
Dave, Try Josh's technique, you won't regret it. But I never use Scotchkote because UV very quickly destroys it. 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: rocke...@gmail.com To: "Josh Fiden" , "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 11:08:51 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline A layer of friction tape is also a good way to keep the connectors sticky free. Dave wo2x -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Josh Fiden Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 4:35 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline To make it come off *really* clean, I like to put the 1st layer of vinyl tape sticky side out. Then self-fusing tape, another layer of vinyl tape (3m 33+ or 88). And because overkill is never enough, paint with some Scotchkote last! 73 Josh W6XU Sent from my mobile device >> On Jun 3, 2020, at 12:50 PM, Buck wrote: > Electrical tape, then the self-fusing tape, then electrical tape. > The first layer of electrical tape makes it easier to removing the > fusing tape later __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rocke...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donov...@starpower.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
A layer of friction tape is also a good way to keep the connectors sticky free. Dave wo2x -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Josh Fiden Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 4:35 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline To make it come off *really* clean, I like to put the 1st layer of vinyl tape sticky side out. Then self-fusing tape, another layer of vinyl tape (3m 33+ or 88). And because overkill is never enough, paint with some Scotchkote last! 73 Josh W6XU Sent from my mobile device >> On Jun 3, 2020, at 12:50 PM, Buck wrote: > Electrical tape, then the self-fusing tape, then electrical tape. > The first layer of electrical tape makes it easier to removing the > fusing tape later __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rocke...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
For PL-259 or Type-N to female connections outside my standard practice is either double-wall marine grade heat shrink, or Scotch-130 self-annealing tape (probably the same stuff as the 3M 2155) and the marine grade heat shrink. We had a line of storms headed this way after I read your post, and I decided to lower/tilt the tower over, and I wrapped the screw ends of the balun with Scotch 130 and Super 88. Not sure what got into me when I put the antenna up; I guess I figured SS hardware shouldn't be a problem in the elements, but yeah, better safe than sorry. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Walter Underwood Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 1:10 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline I use the weatherproofing described here. I think this practice has a long history in telephone wiring. It is a detailed walk-through of what you described. https://static.dxengineering.com/pdf/WeatherProofingCoax-TechTip.pdf <https://static.dxengineering.com/pdf/WeatherProofingCoax-TechTip.pdf> wunder K6WRU Walter Underwood CM87wj http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) > On Jun 3, 2020, at 9:58 AM, Clay Autery wrote: > > I've got to get to class, but there are a NUMBER of different methods and procedures that are used. > > Self-fusing tape properly applied covered by top-quality electrical tape to protect the self-fusing tape from UV... > There are specific points on installation that you want to observe. > > Someone will chime in with deatil or a reference to a procedure... If not, I will do it later... Class in 3 minutes. > > 73, > > __ > Clay Autery, KY5G > (318) 518-1389 > > On 06/03/20 10:35, Peter Dougherty wrote: >> No, and I wasn't sure how to accomplish this. It's stainless >> hardware, but I'm guessing I should probably wrap the feedpoint up in >> self-annealing tape and Scotch 88 just to be safe. >> >> - pjd >> >> -Original Message- >> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net >> On Behalf Of Dave Cole >> Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 7:27 AM >> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline >> >> Hi, >> >> Is the open end of that feedline where it connects to the antenna >> weatherproofed? >> >> 73, and thanks, >> Dave (NK7Z) >> https://www.nk7z.net >> ARRL Volunteer Examiner >> ARRL Technical Specialist >> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources >> >> On 6/2/20 8:15 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: >>> HI all, >>> >>> A postscript to the problem. First off, a huge thank you to the many >> replies received. I was fortunate that the problem was not in the >> KPA-1500 as I'd originally feared. >>> Much troubleshooting within the past few days. Originally the amp >>> was >> "iffy" on the old M-squared 6m5, and problematic (faulting) during >> damp or wet weather. This prompted the replacement of both the antenna and feedline. >>> The hard faults were still occurring, until it was suggested the >>> Ten-Tec >> 238 tuner that I was using exclusively for the built-in antenna >> switch was now the issue. I took this out of line today, and lowered >> the tower to fine-tune the LFA's feed point and now everything is >> humming along just nicely. The KPA-1500 is happy at 1.5 kW and >> showing an SWR of 1.2 in dry conditions. I will keep my fingers >> crossed that the wet weather expected in the next day or so won't bother it all that much. >>> The final step was to move the 6m feedline from the secondary inlet >>> box to >> the main antenna switch on the big tower. The downside here is I now >> have an additional 70 feet of BuryFlex in the line, so I'm guessing a >> total of about >> 1.5 to 1.7dB of feedline loss. This is something I would like to >> address in the future with an eye to dropping it below 1dB. >>> Screencaps: >>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/1y4vyd17pbgq8ty/6m%20via%20the%20antenna%2 >>> 0s >>> witch.png?dl=0 >>> >>> And >>> >>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/5x8n0bum4nwcxqp/6m%20LFA%20-%20SWR%20after >>> %2 >>> 0tuning.png?dl=0 >>> >>> And for the balun discussion, this is what's in place, before the >>> double-walled heat-shrink was applied: >>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/18pgthl67rtq3bl/2020-05-31%2017.51.08.jpg? >>> dl >>> =0 >>> >>> - pjd >>> >>> __ >>> Elecraft mailing list
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
To make it come off *really* clean, I like to put the 1st layer of vinyl tape sticky side out. Then self-fusing tape, another layer of vinyl tape (3m 33+ or 88). And because overkill is never enough, paint with some Scotchkote last! 73 Josh W6XU Sent from my mobile device >> On Jun 3, 2020, at 12:50 PM, Buck wrote: > Electrical tape, then the self-fusing tape, then electrical tape. The first > layer of electrical tape makes it easier to removing the fusing tape later __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
Electrical tape, then the self-fusing tape, then electrical tape. The first layer of electrical tape makes it easier to removing the fusing tape later Buck, k4ia Honor Roll 8BDXCC EasyWayHamBooks.com On 6/3/2020 12:58 PM, Clay Autery wrote: I've got to get to class, but there are a NUMBER of different methods and procedures that are used. Self-fusing tape properly applied covered by top-quality electrical tape to protect the self-fusing tape from UV... There are specific points on installation that you want to observe. Someone will chime in with deatil or a reference to a procedure... If not, I will do it later... Class in 3 minutes. 73, __ Clay Autery, KY5G (318) 518-1389 On 06/03/20 10:35, Peter Dougherty wrote: No, and I wasn't sure how to accomplish this. It's stainless hardware, but I'm guessing I should probably wrap the feedpoint up in self-annealing tape and Scotch 88 just to be safe. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Dave Cole Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 7:27 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline Hi, Is the open end of that feedline where it connects to the antenna weatherproofed? 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/2/20 8:15 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: HI all, A postscript to the problem. First off, a huge thank you to the many replies received. I was fortunate that the problem was not in the KPA-1500 as I'd originally feared. Much troubleshooting within the past few days. Originally the amp was "iffy" on the old M-squared 6m5, and problematic (faulting) during damp or wet weather. This prompted the replacement of both the antenna and feedline. The hard faults were still occurring, until it was suggested the Ten-Tec 238 tuner that I was using exclusively for the built-in antenna switch was now the issue. I took this out of line today, and lowered the tower to fine-tune the LFA's feed point and now everything is humming along just nicely. The KPA-1500 is happy at 1.5 kW and showing an SWR of 1.2 in dry conditions. I will keep my fingers crossed that the wet weather expected in the next day or so won't bother it all that much. The final step was to move the 6m feedline from the secondary inlet box to the main antenna switch on the big tower. The downside here is I now have an additional 70 feet of BuryFlex in the line, so I'm guessing a total of about 1.5 to 1.7dB of feedline loss. This is something I would like to address in the future with an eye to dropping it below 1dB. Screencaps: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1y4vyd17pbgq8ty/6m%20via%20the%20antenna%20s witch.png?dl=0 And https://www.dropbox.com/s/5x8n0bum4nwcxqp/6m%20LFA%20-%20SWR%20after%2 0tuning.png?dl=0 And for the balun discussion, this is what's in place, before the double-walled heat-shrink was applied: https://www.dropbox.com/s/18pgthl67rtq3bl/2020-05-31%2017.51.08.jpg?dl =0 - pjd __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to li...@w2irt.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k...@montac.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to radiok...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
On 6/3/2020 8:35 AM, Peter Dougherty wrote: > No, and I wasn't sure how to accomplish this. It's stainless hardware, but > I'm guessing I should probably wrap the feedpoint up in self-annealing tape > and Scotch 88 just to be safe. Rescue Tape to the rescue. - also available from the Amazing place. Originally developed as a repair tape, it's stretchable, self-sealing, high insulation rated, UV resistant, comes in several colors for easy ID, and no residue when removed. I had several antenna feed points wrapped with it and after 10+ years the connectors underneath were as bright and shiny as they were when first installed. 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 >From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
I use the weatherproofing described here. I think this practice has a long history in telephone wiring. It is a detailed walk-through of what you described. https://static.dxengineering.com/pdf/WeatherProofingCoax-TechTip.pdf <https://static.dxengineering.com/pdf/WeatherProofingCoax-TechTip.pdf> wunder K6WRU Walter Underwood CM87wj http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) > On Jun 3, 2020, at 9:58 AM, Clay Autery wrote: > > I've got to get to class, but there are a NUMBER of different methods and > procedures that are used. > > Self-fusing tape properly applied covered by top-quality electrical tape to > protect the self-fusing tape from UV... > There are specific points on installation that you want to observe. > > Someone will chime in with deatil or a reference to a procedure... If not, I > will do it later... Class in 3 minutes. > > 73, > > __ > Clay Autery, KY5G > (318) 518-1389 > > On 06/03/20 10:35, Peter Dougherty wrote: >> No, and I wasn't sure how to accomplish this. It's stainless hardware, but >> I'm guessing I should probably wrap the feedpoint up in self-annealing tape >> and Scotch 88 just to be safe. >> >> - pjd >> >> -Original Message- >> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On >> Behalf Of Dave Cole >> Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 7:27 AM >> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline >> >> Hi, >> >> Is the open end of that feedline where it connects to the antenna >> weatherproofed? >> >> 73, and thanks, >> Dave (NK7Z) >> https://www.nk7z.net >> ARRL Volunteer Examiner >> ARRL Technical Specialist >> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources >> >> On 6/2/20 8:15 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: >>> HI all, >>> >>> A postscript to the problem. First off, a huge thank you to the many >> replies received. I was fortunate that the problem was not in the KPA-1500 >> as I'd originally feared. >>> Much troubleshooting within the past few days. Originally the amp was >> "iffy" on the old M-squared 6m5, and problematic (faulting) during damp or >> wet weather. This prompted the replacement of both the antenna and feedline. >>> The hard faults were still occurring, until it was suggested the Ten-Tec >> 238 tuner that I was using exclusively for the built-in antenna switch was >> now the issue. I took this out of line today, and lowered the tower to >> fine-tune the LFA's feed point and now everything is humming along just >> nicely. The KPA-1500 is happy at 1.5 kW and showing an SWR of 1.2 in dry >> conditions. I will keep my fingers crossed that the wet weather expected in >> the next day or so won't bother it all that much. >>> The final step was to move the 6m feedline from the secondary inlet box to >> the main antenna switch on the big tower. The downside here is I now have an >> additional 70 feet of BuryFlex in the line, so I'm guessing a total of about >> 1.5 to 1.7dB of feedline loss. This is something I would like to address in >> the future with an eye to dropping it below 1dB. >>> Screencaps: >>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/1y4vyd17pbgq8ty/6m%20via%20the%20antenna%20s >>> witch.png?dl=0 >>> >>> And >>> >>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/5x8n0bum4nwcxqp/6m%20LFA%20-%20SWR%20after%2 >>> 0tuning.png?dl=0 >>> >>> And for the balun discussion, this is what's in place, before the >>> double-walled heat-shrink was applied: >>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/18pgthl67rtq3bl/2020-05-31%2017.51.08.jpg?dl >>> =0 >>> >>> - pjd >>> >>> __ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>> >>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email >>> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to >>> d...@nk7z.net >>> >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message >> delivered to li...@w2irt.net >> >> _
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
I've got to get to class, but there are a NUMBER of different methods and procedures that are used. Self-fusing tape properly applied covered by top-quality electrical tape to protect the self-fusing tape from UV... There are specific points on installation that you want to observe. Someone will chime in with deatil or a reference to a procedure... If not, I will do it later... Class in 3 minutes. 73, __ Clay Autery, KY5G (318) 518-1389 On 06/03/20 10:35, Peter Dougherty wrote: No, and I wasn't sure how to accomplish this. It's stainless hardware, but I'm guessing I should probably wrap the feedpoint up in self-annealing tape and Scotch 88 just to be safe. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Dave Cole Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 7:27 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline Hi, Is the open end of that feedline where it connects to the antenna weatherproofed? 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/2/20 8:15 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: HI all, A postscript to the problem. First off, a huge thank you to the many replies received. I was fortunate that the problem was not in the KPA-1500 as I'd originally feared. Much troubleshooting within the past few days. Originally the amp was "iffy" on the old M-squared 6m5, and problematic (faulting) during damp or wet weather. This prompted the replacement of both the antenna and feedline. The hard faults were still occurring, until it was suggested the Ten-Tec 238 tuner that I was using exclusively for the built-in antenna switch was now the issue. I took this out of line today, and lowered the tower to fine-tune the LFA's feed point and now everything is humming along just nicely. The KPA-1500 is happy at 1.5 kW and showing an SWR of 1.2 in dry conditions. I will keep my fingers crossed that the wet weather expected in the next day or so won't bother it all that much. The final step was to move the 6m feedline from the secondary inlet box to the main antenna switch on the big tower. The downside here is I now have an additional 70 feet of BuryFlex in the line, so I'm guessing a total of about 1.5 to 1.7dB of feedline loss. This is something I would like to address in the future with an eye to dropping it below 1dB. Screencaps: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1y4vyd17pbgq8ty/6m%20via%20the%20antenna%20s witch.png?dl=0 And https://www.dropbox.com/s/5x8n0bum4nwcxqp/6m%20LFA%20-%20SWR%20after%2 0tuning.png?dl=0 And for the balun discussion, this is what's in place, before the double-walled heat-shrink was applied: https://www.dropbox.com/s/18pgthl67rtq3bl/2020-05-31%2017.51.08.jpg?dl =0 - pjd __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to li...@w2irt.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k...@montac.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
No, and I wasn't sure how to accomplish this. It's stainless hardware, but I'm guessing I should probably wrap the feedpoint up in self-annealing tape and Scotch 88 just to be safe. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Dave Cole Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 7:27 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline Hi, Is the open end of that feedline where it connects to the antenna weatherproofed? 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/2/20 8:15 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: > HI all, > > A postscript to the problem. First off, a huge thank you to the many replies received. I was fortunate that the problem was not in the KPA-1500 as I'd originally feared. > > Much troubleshooting within the past few days. Originally the amp was "iffy" on the old M-squared 6m5, and problematic (faulting) during damp or wet weather. This prompted the replacement of both the antenna and feedline. > > The hard faults were still occurring, until it was suggested the Ten-Tec 238 tuner that I was using exclusively for the built-in antenna switch was now the issue. I took this out of line today, and lowered the tower to fine-tune the LFA's feed point and now everything is humming along just nicely. The KPA-1500 is happy at 1.5 kW and showing an SWR of 1.2 in dry conditions. I will keep my fingers crossed that the wet weather expected in the next day or so won't bother it all that much. > > The final step was to move the 6m feedline from the secondary inlet box to the main antenna switch on the big tower. The downside here is I now have an additional 70 feet of BuryFlex in the line, so I'm guessing a total of about 1.5 to 1.7dB of feedline loss. This is something I would like to address in the future with an eye to dropping it below 1dB. > > Screencaps: > https://www.dropbox.com/s/1y4vyd17pbgq8ty/6m%20via%20the%20antenna%20s > witch.png?dl=0 > > And > > https://www.dropbox.com/s/5x8n0bum4nwcxqp/6m%20LFA%20-%20SWR%20after%2 > 0tuning.png?dl=0 > > And for the balun discussion, this is what's in place, before the > double-walled heat-shrink was applied: > https://www.dropbox.com/s/18pgthl67rtq3bl/2020-05-31%2017.51.08.jpg?dl > =0 > > - pjd > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to > d...@nk7z.net > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to li...@w2irt.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
Hi, Is the open end of that feedline where it connects to the antenna weatherproofed? 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/2/20 8:15 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: HI all, A postscript to the problem. First off, a huge thank you to the many replies received. I was fortunate that the problem was not in the KPA-1500 as I'd originally feared. Much troubleshooting within the past few days. Originally the amp was "iffy" on the old M-squared 6m5, and problematic (faulting) during damp or wet weather. This prompted the replacement of both the antenna and feedline. The hard faults were still occurring, until it was suggested the Ten-Tec 238 tuner that I was using exclusively for the built-in antenna switch was now the issue. I took this out of line today, and lowered the tower to fine-tune the LFA's feed point and now everything is humming along just nicely. The KPA-1500 is happy at 1.5 kW and showing an SWR of 1.2 in dry conditions. I will keep my fingers crossed that the wet weather expected in the next day or so won't bother it all that much. The final step was to move the 6m feedline from the secondary inlet box to the main antenna switch on the big tower. The downside here is I now have an additional 70 feet of BuryFlex in the line, so I'm guessing a total of about 1.5 to 1.7dB of feedline loss. This is something I would like to address in the future with an eye to dropping it below 1dB. Screencaps: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1y4vyd17pbgq8ty/6m%20via%20the%20antenna%20switch.png?dl=0 And https://www.dropbox.com/s/5x8n0bum4nwcxqp/6m%20LFA%20-%20SWR%20after%20tuning.png?dl=0 And for the balun discussion, this is what's in place, before the double-walled heat-shrink was applied: https://www.dropbox.com/s/18pgthl67rtq3bl/2020-05-31%2017.51.08.jpg?dl=0 - pjd __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline
HI all, A postscript to the problem. First off, a huge thank you to the many replies received. I was fortunate that the problem was not in the KPA-1500 as I'd originally feared. Much troubleshooting within the past few days. Originally the amp was "iffy" on the old M-squared 6m5, and problematic (faulting) during damp or wet weather. This prompted the replacement of both the antenna and feedline. The hard faults were still occurring, until it was suggested the Ten-Tec 238 tuner that I was using exclusively for the built-in antenna switch was now the issue. I took this out of line today, and lowered the tower to fine-tune the LFA's feed point and now everything is humming along just nicely. The KPA-1500 is happy at 1.5 kW and showing an SWR of 1.2 in dry conditions. I will keep my fingers crossed that the wet weather expected in the next day or so won't bother it all that much. The final step was to move the 6m feedline from the secondary inlet box to the main antenna switch on the big tower. The downside here is I now have an additional 70 feet of BuryFlex in the line, so I'm guessing a total of about 1.5 to 1.7dB of feedline loss. This is something I would like to address in the future with an eye to dropping it below 1dB. Screencaps: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1y4vyd17pbgq8ty/6m%20via%20the%20antenna%20switch.png?dl=0 And https://www.dropbox.com/s/5x8n0bum4nwcxqp/6m%20LFA%20-%20SWR%20after%20tuning.png?dl=0 And for the balun discussion, this is what's in place, before the double-walled heat-shrink was applied: https://www.dropbox.com/s/18pgthl67rtq3bl/2020-05-31%2017.51.08.jpg?dl=0 - pjd __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
