Joe, AB7TT, wrote:
> Nope, we have a related problem here in AZ. In the intense
> summer heat, we have to deal with "wire glaze". The problem
> arises from the slight melting and recrystalization of the
> surface of the wire. It only affects the top few microns of
> wire, but it wreaks havoc on your signal. When it recrystalizes
> each night, the wire develops this "glaze" which is terribly
> non-conductive.
>
> Due to the skin effect, this is a *very* bad thing on HF. In
> fact I've developed a habit of scrubbing my antennas every night
> after the desert temp drops off. A simple wire brush (like the
> kind you use to clean your BBQ) works just fine. Sure is nice
> when the summer heat dies off and I don't have to worry about
> it anymore!
Be very careful with the selection of wire brush; in the process of
brushing, little bits of the brush material break off and embed in the
surface of the antenna wire. Of course, the scrubbing will remove some of
these little microscopic bits of brush material, but some remain and
can accumulate. If the material has a high electrolytic difference,
it will alter the molecular structure of the antenna wire beyond repair.
Perhaps the worst case example is when copperweld wire is driven to
delamination.
Dana K6JQ
Dana@Source.Net
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