PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-604

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 604

MARCH 2003
PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-604 - Page 24 of 33
PS 604
MAR 03
45
PS 604
MAR 03
44
Dear Editor,
Before erecting an OE-254 antenna,
the threads on the antenna elements must
be cleaned and lubed. If not, corrosion
quickly forms and makes it practically
impossible to disassemble the antenna.
In the past, PS has recommended
cleaning each element with the antenna’s
guide rope by looping the rope around the
element threads and pulling it back and
forth. This is good advice, because the
friction does clean the connecting area.
A small arms bore cleaner also works well
to get the threads clean.
PS has also recommended using water-
displacing compound, NSN 6850-00-
142-9409, and silicone grease, NSN
6850-00-880-7616, on the threads.
The next step has been to wrap each
connection with a layer of electrical tape,
NSN 5970-00-419-4291, and here is
where I disagree a bit.
Electrical tape dries in the sun,
shrinks and wears out. I recommend
coaxial cable connector sealant. You
can get it at your local electronics or
automotive store.
Coaxial cable connector sealant is
also the stuff to use to weatherproof
the joint between the coax cable and the
feedcone. It seems to last forever and
once removed, the area looks like new.
Also, silicone grease, NSN 6850-
00-880-7616, should be used on the
cable/feedcone connection before the
COAX-SEAL is applied.
One more thing: Do not use wire or
any electrical conductor to reinforce the
feedcone. It will degrade your signal and
could short out your antenna.
Brooke Clarke
Ukiah, CA
Some good maintenance advice from an
OE-254 antenna maintainer who knows
his stuff. As a rule, PS does not endorse
purchasing off-the-shelf items when the
supply system has the TM required items available. However, in this case, keeping
the antennas in top-notch shape and making the assembling and disassembling job
much easy takes precedence and we can recommend a trip to your local hardware
or radio supply store.
From the desk
of the
Editor
Use WDC
and
silicone
to lube
threads
Rope
is OK,
but no
wire!
Use
rope to
clean
threads
It’s no use!
iF
you don’t do your
pm, it’s almost
impossible to
remove feedcone
elements!
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