Cantenna oil...the last word?...APPARENTLY NOT

[w9ya]

Hi gang;

I guess the message below was not the final word, and some of you have been
using mineral oil.

Be warned that regular mineral oil, while having a suitably high flash point,
does not contain any rust and oxidation inhibitors (additives). This means
that the oil does not last and might well cause your resistor to degrade.

For the same, or less money, just go to the farm supply store and buy generic
TURBINE oil, and check the can to see that it says ISO (grade) 46. Then you
will be getting the real thing, no PCB's, and you can enjoy peace of mind
knowing you are using the best "transformer oil" that is available without
paying more $$ at the local electrical supply house for the EXACT SAME
chemical formulation or for the much less desirable mineral oil.

vy 73

Bob Finch
w9ya



----------  Forwarded Message  ----------

Subject: Cantenna oil...the last word?
Date: Thu, 6 Dec 2001 08:57:35 -0500
From: w9ya <w9ya at amsat.org>
To: heath at listserv.tempe.gov

ARRL Hanbooks from the later 80's and into the 90's contained a couple of
articles on dummy-"antenna" construction.

Among the excellent info, was the interesting tidbit concerning oil. I have
since, on my own, confirmed that going to the local farm supply store and
getting any ISO grade 46 "turbine" oil will get you the equivalent of the
"transformer oil" that is often recommended. It is the same formulation. And
much more affordable. In fact for typically less than $10, you will have
enough oil for two or more cantennas.

Hope this helps clarify.

Bob Finch
w9ya

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