Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
Don't use steel wool. You will never get all the steel back out. Clean them with warm soapy water and let them dry well. The black you are seeing is probably silver oxide on the silver plating. Silver oxide conducts RF just fine. They can be really black and still work just fine. At 01:51 AM 12/7/2009, you wrote: Another issue I find myself with... Dude gives me 4 2.4GHz Andrews 90 degree sectors. Cool! But I have to take them down if I want them. So I go to take them down. Hey! No LMR-400 on these things! Just naked N connectors... WTF?! Oh yeah, I put them up there but never got around to running any cable. says Wisp operator useta-wannabe. Nice. They were up there naked since spring. Inside of the connectors look okay but still not perfect. I read on the net about using alcohol, sounds bogus unless I'm supposed to drink it until I no longer care. My first thought is steel wool then I imagined myself striping the gold surface of the interior. One connector is a bit black on the outside threads, I attribute this to the large amount of bird crap on the radome. Fun. What's the right way to rehab these things? Never had to deal with this before, I tape everything including the cat. Bob- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
Sounds reasonable to me. I have found that my first instinct is often not correct. Hence the existence of my first wife. -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 1:45 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors Don't use steel wool. You will never get all the steel back out. Clean them with warm soapy water and let them dry well. The black you are seeing is probably silver oxide on the silver plating. Silver oxide conducts RF just fine. They can be really black and still work just fine. At 01:51 AM 12/7/2009, you wrote: Another issue I find myself with... Dude gives me 4 2.4GHz Andrews 90 degree sectors. Cool! But I have to take them down if I want them. So I go to take them down. Hey! No LMR-400 on these things! Just naked N connectors... WTF?! Oh yeah, I put them up there but never got around to running any cable. says Wisp operator useta-wannabe. Nice. They were up there naked since spring. Inside of the connectors look okay but still not perfect. I read on the net about using alcohol, sounds bogus unless I'm supposed to drink it until I no longer care. My first thought is steel wool then I imagined myself striping the gold surface of the interior. One connector is a bit black on the outside threads, I attribute this to the large amount of bird crap on the radome. Fun. What's the right way to rehab these things? Never had to deal with this before, I tape everything including the cat. Bob- --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon - Original Message - From: Robert West robert.w...@just-micro.com To: wireless@wispa.org Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 11:51 PM Subject: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors Another issue I find myself with... Dude gives me 4 2.4GHz Andrews 90 degree sectors. Cool! But I have to take them down if I want them. So I go to take them down. Hey! No LMR-400 on these things! Just naked N connectors... WTF?! Oh yeah, I put them up there but never got around to running any cable. says Wisp operator useta-wannabe. Nice. They were up there naked since spring. Inside of the connectors look okay but still not perfect. I read on the net about using alcohol, sounds bogus unless I'm supposed to drink it until I no longer care. My first thought is steel wool then I imagined myself striping the gold surface of the interior. One connector is a bit black on the outside threads, I attribute this to the large amount of bird crap on the radome. Fun. What's the right way to rehab these things? Never had to deal with this before, I tape everything including the cat. Bob- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
That's my thinking as well. What's the worst I could do? Flames could be involved but I don't foresee that in this case. -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Jeremy Parr Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 4:30 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors 2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
I read black stuff, not corrosion. If they are silver connectors, then it's silver oxide and NOT a problem. In the old days all, and now only the best equipment still use silver connectors. Just like an old dime will turn black once it has skin oils on it, so will a silver connector. Neither of them is hurt by the patina. Mike At 03:29 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: 2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
I never would have guessed silver though. Someone mentioned that earlier too. At first it looked like rubber tape residue but it had me scratching me head since boy never put any cables on them. Makes perfect sense though. They will probably be okay, I just didn't want to attack them with the steel wool or whatever and screw up what seem to be very nice sectors. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 4:47 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors I read black stuff, not corrosion. If they are silver connectors, then it's silver oxide and NOT a problem. In the old days all, and now only the best equipment still use silver connectors. Just like an old dime will turn black once it has skin oils on it, so will a silver connector. Neither of them is hurt by the patina. Mike At 03:29 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: 2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
Bob: The fingers are gold plated and won't corrode either. When you're cleaning them, and since they were outside unprotected, get your close up goggles on and use a toothpick to make sure there is nothing in the space between the fingers. I actually have some ancient silver N right angle adapters that are black, not silver. I use them on various radios in my shack. They work just fine. I do like to put just a little bit NOT MUCH NoAlOx or equivalent on the female threads when I put them back together. Silver connectors are more susceptible to mechanical loosening from thermal changes than the nickle silver ones. Get em tight! Mike At 03:55 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: I never would have guessed silver though. Someone mentioned that earlier too. At first it looked like rubber tape residue but it had me scratching me head since boy never put any cables on them. Makes perfect sense though. They will probably be okay, I just didn't want to attack them with the steel wool or whatever and screw up what seem to be very nice sectors. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 4:47 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors I read black stuff, not corrosion. If they are silver connectors, then it's silver oxide and NOT a problem. In the old days all, and now only the best equipment still use silver connectors. Just like an old dime will turn black once it has skin oils on it, so will a silver connector. Neither of them is hurt by the patina. Mike At 03:29 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: 2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
Well boy, ya learned me something! I honestly never heard of NoAlOx before. Looked it up, looks good. I'll have to pick some up for other things as well, looks like. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 5:05 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors Bob: The fingers are gold plated and won't corrode either. When you're cleaning them, and since they were outside unprotected, get your close up goggles on and use a toothpick to make sure there is nothing in the space between the fingers. I actually have some ancient silver N right angle adapters that are black, not silver. I use them on various radios in my shack. They work just fine. I do like to put just a little bit NOT MUCH NoAlOx or equivalent on the female threads when I put them back together. Silver connectors are more susceptible to mechanical loosening from thermal changes than the nickle silver ones. Get em tight! Mike At 03:55 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: I never would have guessed silver though. Someone mentioned that earlier too. At first it looked like rubber tape residue but it had me scratching me head since boy never put any cables on them. Makes perfect sense though. They will probably be okay, I just didn't want to attack them with the steel wool or whatever and screw up what seem to be very nice sectors. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 4:47 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors I read black stuff, not corrosion. If they are silver connectors, then it's silver oxide and NOT a problem. In the old days all, and now only the best equipment still use silver connectors. Just like an old dime will turn black once it has skin oils on it, so will a silver connector. Neither of them is hurt by the patina. Mike At 03:29 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: 2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
OxGard works too! They usually have that at Menards. Electrical supply house will have NoAlOx. At 04:10 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: Well boy, ya learned me something! I honestly never heard of NoAlOx before. Looked it up, looks good. I'll have to pick some up for other things as well, looks like. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 5:05 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors Bob: The fingers are gold plated and won't corrode either. When you're cleaning them, and since they were outside unprotected, get your close up goggles on and use a toothpick to make sure there is nothing in the space between the fingers. I actually have some ancient silver N right angle adapters that are black, not silver. I use them on various radios in my shack. They work just fine. I do like to put just a little bit NOT MUCH NoAlOx or equivalent on the female threads when I put them back together. Silver connectors are more susceptible to mechanical loosening from thermal changes than the nickle silver ones. Get em tight! Mike At 03:55 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: I never would have guessed silver though. Someone mentioned that earlier too. At first it looked like rubber tape residue but it had me scratching me head since boy never put any cables on them. Makes perfect sense though. They will probably be okay, I just didn't want to attack them with the steel wool or whatever and screw up what seem to be very nice sectors. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 4:47 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors I read black stuff, not corrosion. If they are silver connectors, then it's silver oxide and NOT a problem. In the old days all, and now only the best equipment still use silver connectors. Just like an old dime will turn black once it has skin oils on it, so will a silver connector. Neither of them is hurt by the patina. Mike At 03:29 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: 2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
Try a pencil erasure. Phil On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 3:19 PM, Mike m...@aweiowa.com wrote: OxGard works too! They usually have that at Menards. Electrical supply house will have NoAlOx. At 04:10 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: Well boy, ya learned me something! I honestly never heard of NoAlOx before. Looked it up, looks good. I'll have to pick some up for other things as well, looks like. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 5:05 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors Bob: The fingers are gold plated and won't corrode either. When you're cleaning them, and since they were outside unprotected, get your close up goggles on and use a toothpick to make sure there is nothing in the space between the fingers. I actually have some ancient silver N right angle adapters that are black, not silver. I use them on various radios in my shack. They work just fine. I do like to put just a little bit NOT MUCH NoAlOx or equivalent on the female threads when I put them back together. Silver connectors are more susceptible to mechanical loosening from thermal changes than the nickle silver ones. Get em tight! Mike At 03:55 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: I never would have guessed silver though. Someone mentioned that earlier too. At first it looked like rubber tape residue but it had me scratching me head since boy never put any cables on them. Makes perfect sense though. They will probably be okay, I just didn't want to attack them with the steel wool or whatever and screw up what seem to be very nice sectors. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 4:47 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors I read black stuff, not corrosion. If they are silver connectors, then it's silver oxide and NOT a problem. In the old days all, and now only the best equipment still use silver connectors. Just like an old dime will turn black once it has skin oils on it, so will a silver connector. Neither of them is hurt by the patina. Mike At 03:29 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: 2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
I was taught in tech school that pencil erasers give off an acid that can damage the contacts. Who knows if it's true. Greg On Dec 7, 2009, at 7:32 PM, Phil Curnutt wrote: Try a pencil erasure. Phil On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 3:19 PM, Mike m...@aweiowa.com wrote: OxGard works too! They usually have that at Menards. Electrical supply house will have NoAlOx. At 04:10 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: Well boy, ya learned me something! I honestly never heard of NoAlOx before. Looked it up, looks good. I'll have to pick some up for other things as well, looks like. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 5:05 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors Bob: The fingers are gold plated and won't corrode either. When you're cleaning them, and since they were outside unprotected, get your close up goggles on and use a toothpick to make sure there is nothing in the space between the fingers. I actually have some ancient silver N right angle adapters that are black, not silver. I use them on various radios in my shack. They work just fine. I do like to put just a little bit NOT MUCH NoAlOx or equivalent on the female threads when I put them back together. Silver connectors are more susceptible to mechanical loosening from thermal changes than the nickle silver ones. Get em tight! Mike At 03:55 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: I never would have guessed silver though. Someone mentioned that earlier too. At first it looked like rubber tape residue but it had me scratching me head since boy never put any cables on them. Makes perfect sense though. They will probably be okay, I just didn't want to attack them with the steel wool or whatever and screw up what seem to be very nice sectors. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 4:47 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors I read black stuff, not corrosion. If they are silver connectors, then it's silver oxide and NOT a problem. In the old days all, and now only the best equipment still use silver connectors. Just like an old dime will turn black once it has skin oils on it, so will a silver connector. Neither of them is hurt by the patina. Mike At 03:29 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: 2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
Used them all the time on UHF and VHF equipment back in the day. Matter of fact it was taught at my tech school; USCG. Phil On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 5:33 PM, os10ru...@gmail.com wrote: I was taught in tech school that pencil erasers give off an acid that can damage the contacts. Who knows if it's true. Greg On Dec 7, 2009, at 7:32 PM, Phil Curnutt wrote: Try a pencil erasure. Phil On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 3:19 PM, Mike m...@aweiowa.com wrote: OxGard works too! They usually have that at Menards. Electrical supply house will have NoAlOx. At 04:10 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: Well boy, ya learned me something! I honestly never heard of NoAlOx before. Looked it up, looks good. I'll have to pick some up for other things as well, looks like. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 5:05 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors Bob: The fingers are gold plated and won't corrode either. When you're cleaning them, and since they were outside unprotected, get your close up goggles on and use a toothpick to make sure there is nothing in the space between the fingers. I actually have some ancient silver N right angle adapters that are black, not silver. I use them on various radios in my shack. They work just fine. I do like to put just a little bit NOT MUCH NoAlOx or equivalent on the female threads when I put them back together. Silver connectors are more susceptible to mechanical loosening from thermal changes than the nickle silver ones. Get em tight! Mike At 03:55 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: I never would have guessed silver though. Someone mentioned that earlier too. At first it looked like rubber tape residue but it had me scratching me head since boy never put any cables on them. Makes perfect sense though. They will probably be okay, I just didn't want to attack them with the steel wool or whatever and screw up what seem to be very nice sectors. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 4:47 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors I read black stuff, not corrosion. If they are silver connectors, then it's silver oxide and NOT a problem. In the old days all, and now only the best equipment still use silver connectors. Just like an old dime will turn black once it has skin oils on it, so will a silver connector. Neither of them is hurt by the patina. Mike At 03:29 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: 2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
I was merchant marine. Who's right? : - ) On Dec 7, 2009, at 7:39 PM, Phil Curnutt wrote: Used them all the time on UHF and VHF equipment back in the day. Matter of fact it was taught at my tech school; USCG. Phil On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 5:33 PM, os10ru...@gmail.com wrote: I was taught in tech school that pencil erasers give off an acid that can damage the contacts. Who knows if it's true. Greg On Dec 7, 2009, at 7:32 PM, Phil Curnutt wrote: Try a pencil erasure. Phil On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 3:19 PM, Mike m...@aweiowa.com wrote: OxGard works too! They usually have that at Menards. Electrical supply house will have NoAlOx. At 04:10 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: Well boy, ya learned me something! I honestly never heard of NoAlOx before. Looked it up, looks good. I'll have to pick some up for other things as well, looks like. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 5:05 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors Bob: The fingers are gold plated and won't corrode either. When you're cleaning them, and since they were outside unprotected, get your close up goggles on and use a toothpick to make sure there is nothing in the space between the fingers. I actually have some ancient silver N right angle adapters that are black, not silver. I use them on various radios in my shack. They work just fine. I do like to put just a little bit NOT MUCH NoAlOx or equivalent on the female threads when I put them back together. Silver connectors are more susceptible to mechanical loosening from thermal changes than the nickle silver ones. Get em tight! Mike At 03:55 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: I never would have guessed silver though. Someone mentioned that earlier too. At first it looked like rubber tape residue but it had me scratching me head since boy never put any cables on them. Makes perfect sense though. They will probably be okay, I just didn't want to attack them with the steel wool or whatever and screw up what seem to be very nice sectors. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 4:47 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors I read black stuff, not corrosion. If they are silver connectors, then it's silver oxide and NOT a problem. In the old days all, and now only the best equipment still use silver connectors. Just like an old dime will turn black once it has skin oils on it, so will a silver connector. Neither of them is hurt by the patina. Mike At 03:29 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: 2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
I've often used pencil erasers as a dirt mover. I've seen it work well on model trains and AA, AAA batteries. Sole of your shoe works too. On 12/7/09, os10ru...@gmail.com os10ru...@gmail.com wrote: I was taught in tech school that pencil erasers give off an acid that can damage the contacts. Who knows if it's true. Greg On Dec 7, 2009, at 7:32 PM, Phil Curnutt wrote: Try a pencil erasure. Phil On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 3:19 PM, Mike m...@aweiowa.com wrote: OxGard works too! They usually have that at Menards. Electrical supply house will have NoAlOx. At 04:10 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: Well boy, ya learned me something! I honestly never heard of NoAlOx before. Looked it up, looks good. I'll have to pick some up for other things as well, looks like. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 5:05 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors Bob: The fingers are gold plated and won't corrode either. When you're cleaning them, and since they were outside unprotected, get your close up goggles on and use a toothpick to make sure there is nothing in the space between the fingers. I actually have some ancient silver N right angle adapters that are black, not silver. I use them on various radios in my shack. They work just fine. I do like to put just a little bit NOT MUCH NoAlOx or equivalent on the female threads when I put them back together. Silver connectors are more susceptible to mechanical loosening from thermal changes than the nickle silver ones. Get em tight! Mike At 03:55 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: I never would have guessed silver though. Someone mentioned that earlier too. At first it looked like rubber tape residue but it had me scratching me head since boy never put any cables on them. Makes perfect sense though. They will probably be okay, I just didn't want to attack them with the steel wool or whatever and screw up what seem to be very nice sectors. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 4:47 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors I read black stuff, not corrosion. If they are silver connectors, then it's silver oxide and NOT a problem. In the old days all, and now only the best equipment still use silver connectors. Just like an old dime will turn black once it has skin oils on it, so will a silver connector. Neither of them is hurt by the patina. Mike At 03:29 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: 2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
I still use them on memory contacts, hard drive board contacts and the like. I use the big pink ones but they DO leave a residue, I use a solvent to clean it up. My solvent of choice... My old friend, ZEP Brake Wash. Yes, Brake Wash in the spray can but only ZEP brand. I buy it by the case. Not hard enough to hurt plastic but boy, it will certainly clean electronic components. Love the stuff. Just don't read the MSDS, be happy! Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Phil Curnutt Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 7:39 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors Used them all the time on UHF and VHF equipment back in the day. Matter of fact it was taught at my tech school; USCG. Phil On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 5:33 PM, os10ru...@gmail.com wrote: I was taught in tech school that pencil erasers give off an acid that can damage the contacts. Who knows if it's true. Greg On Dec 7, 2009, at 7:32 PM, Phil Curnutt wrote: Try a pencil erasure. Phil On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 3:19 PM, Mike m...@aweiowa.com wrote: OxGard works too! They usually have that at Menards. Electrical supply house will have NoAlOx. At 04:10 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: Well boy, ya learned me something! I honestly never heard of NoAlOx before. Looked it up, looks good. I'll have to pick some up for other things as well, looks like. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 5:05 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors Bob: The fingers are gold plated and won't corrode either. When you're cleaning them, and since they were outside unprotected, get your close up goggles on and use a toothpick to make sure there is nothing in the space between the fingers. I actually have some ancient silver N right angle adapters that are black, not silver. I use them on various radios in my shack. They work just fine. I do like to put just a little bit NOT MUCH NoAlOx or equivalent on the female threads when I put them back together. Silver connectors are more susceptible to mechanical loosening from thermal changes than the nickle silver ones. Get em tight! Mike At 03:55 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: I never would have guessed silver though. Someone mentioned that earlier too. At first it looked like rubber tape residue but it had me scratching me head since boy never put any cables on them. Makes perfect sense though. They will probably be okay, I just didn't want to attack them with the steel wool or whatever and screw up what seem to be very nice sectors. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 4:47 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors I read black stuff, not corrosion. If they are silver connectors, then it's silver oxide and NOT a problem. In the old days all, and now only the best equipment still use silver connectors. Just like an old dime will turn black once it has skin oils on it, so will a silver connector. Neither of them is hurt by the patina. Mike At 03:29 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: 2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless
Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors
Or LPS electric motor cleaner, can be sprayed in a running motor and leaves no residue. When reading their label, it has to have the words, can be sprayed into a running electric motor Also, these are the best drill coolants, no smoke and the bit stays COLD. -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Robert West Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 6:18 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors I still use them on memory contacts, hard drive board contacts and the like. I use the big pink ones but they DO leave a residue, I use a solvent to clean it up. My solvent of choice... My old friend, ZEP Brake Wash. Yes, Brake Wash in the spray can but only ZEP brand. I buy it by the case. Not hard enough to hurt plastic but boy, it will certainly clean electronic components. Love the stuff. Just don't read the MSDS, be happy! Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Phil Curnutt Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 7:39 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors Used them all the time on UHF and VHF equipment back in the day. Matter of fact it was taught at my tech school; USCG. Phil On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 5:33 PM, os10ru...@gmail.com wrote: I was taught in tech school that pencil erasers give off an acid that can damage the contacts. Who knows if it's true. Greg On Dec 7, 2009, at 7:32 PM, Phil Curnutt wrote: Try a pencil erasure. Phil On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 3:19 PM, Mike m...@aweiowa.com wrote: OxGard works too! They usually have that at Menards. Electrical supply house will have NoAlOx. At 04:10 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: Well boy, ya learned me something! I honestly never heard of NoAlOx before. Looked it up, looks good. I'll have to pick some up for other things as well, looks like. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 5:05 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors Bob: The fingers are gold plated and won't corrode either. When you're cleaning them, and since they were outside unprotected, get your close up goggles on and use a toothpick to make sure there is nothing in the space between the fingers. I actually have some ancient silver N right angle adapters that are black, not silver. I use them on various radios in my shack. They work just fine. I do like to put just a little bit NOT MUCH NoAlOx or equivalent on the female threads when I put them back together. Silver connectors are more susceptible to mechanical loosening from thermal changes than the nickle silver ones. Get em tight! Mike At 03:55 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: I never would have guessed silver though. Someone mentioned that earlier too. At first it looked like rubber tape residue but it had me scratching me head since boy never put any cables on them. Makes perfect sense though. They will probably be okay, I just didn't want to attack them with the steel wool or whatever and screw up what seem to be very nice sectors. Bob- -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 4:47 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Cleaning N Connectors I read black stuff, not corrosion. If they are silver connectors, then it's silver oxide and NOT a problem. In the old days all, and now only the best equipment still use silver connectors. Just like an old dime will turn black once it has skin oils on it, so will a silver connector. Neither of them is hurt by the patina. Mike At 03:29 PM 12/7/2009, you wrote: 2009/12/7 Marlon K. Schafer o...@odessaoffice.com: If it were me? Toss em and start over. Not worth the trouble. Once corrosion starts it's hard to stop it. marlon He could always solder new N connectors to the antenna element, and be good as new. The Andrew sectors are a good unit, it'd be a shame to toss em. --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --- - WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ --- - WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org
