[Antennas] Antenna wire maintenance

Wed Mar 29 10:21:37 EDT 2017

Good morning,
I thought I should report results after my initial inquiry. The responses were helpful, one of which said to soak the wire ends in acid flux solution to clean the oxidation off. Not wanting to buy it, I decided to try an alternate technique, also based on acidic reaction with the oxidation. I used some distilled white vinegar. I soaked the wire ends overnight. The next morning the ends were a nice copper color. This was a big improvement since they were black to start. I then dipped the ends in regular flux and tinned them with solder. The resistance end to end dropped to .5 ohms from the previously measured value of 2 to 5 ohms. I think this will work. It takes longer than a stronger solution of acid would take, but perhaps using a weaker acid is safer. I don’t know.
So, the refurbishment of my 80 meter dipoles is well on its way. I hope to get them back up over the weekend.
Thanks and 73,
Dave, K4TO