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Old October 1st 08, 04:11 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna
Michael Coslo Michael Coslo is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Jun 2006
Posts: 828
Default Mobile antenna issue

I've reworked and reinstalled my Bugcatcher antenna.

I'm having a bit of a problem with soldering the taps to the coils
though. Seems road oils and general tarnishing has made it a bit
difficult to get a clean soldering surface.

I know of a lot of ways to clean the surface, but most are a little
rough on the coil or time consuming.

Anyone have any tip or trick to get the surface clean, shiny, and easily
solderable?

note, I've tried some solvents without much luck, and any solvent has to
not eat up the plexi coil form. I've tried steel wool, but it can't get
to the interior of the coil, and regular sandpaper is going to eat the
wire up.

I have even considered an acid flux bath, followed by a long water
rinse, but that's always been verboten for electrical work.


- 73 d eMike N3LI -