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General Information about Aluminum Tubing
Note: JTL-12555 Jet-Lube
™
SS-30 Anti-Oxidant must be used between all antenna element
sections. Jet-Lube
™
SS-30 is an electrical joint compound to affect a substantial
electrical connection between metal parts such as telescoping aluminum tubing or
other antenna pieces. It ensures high conductivity at all voltage levels by displacing
moisture and preventing corrosion or oxidation. Jet-Lube
™
SS-30 must be used on all
element clamps and stainless steel threaded hardware to provide good electrical
contact, prevent galling, allowing easier disassembly and to ensure proper tightening.
When assembling any telescoping aluminum tubing sections you should take the following steps:
1. Make sure the edges are smooth and not sharp. Deburring may be necessary, since burrs and
shavings can occur on seams as well as edges. All surfaces need to be completely smooth to
allow easy assembly of tubing sections.
Caution
Aluminum tubing edges can be very sharp.
Take precautions to ensure you do not get accidentally cut.
The raised particles and shavings that appear when the aluminum tubing is machined are
referred to as burrs, and the process by which they are removed is known as deburring.
Deburring is a finishing method used in manufacturing. DX Engineering aluminum tubing is
machine cut on both ends and machine slit on one end and you should further assure that there
are no ragged edges or protrusions.
Use the
DXE-22166
Slim Grip Deburring Tool
, or the
DXE-22600
Deburring Tool with
Extending Handle and Extra Blades
for this operation.
2. Clean the inside of the aluminum tubing to clear out any dirt or foreign material that would
cause the aluminum tubing sections to bind during assembly. Do not use any type of oil or
general lubricant between the aluminum tubing sections. Oils or general lubricants can cause
poor electrical connections for radio frequencies.
3. Clean the outside of the aluminum tubing to clear any dirt or foreign material that would cause
the clamps to malfunction during assembly.
4. The use of
JTL-12555 Jet-Lube™ SS-30
is highly recommended. Jet-Lube™ SS-30 is an
electrical joint compound which effects a substantial electrical connection between metal parts
such as telescoping aluminum tubing or other antenna pieces. Using Jet-Lube™ SS-30 assures
high conductivity at all voltage levels by displacing moisture and preventing corrosion or
oxidation.
5. When assembling the aluminum tubing sections, ensure the area is clear of grass, dirt or other
foreign material that could cause problems during assembly of the closely fitted telescoping
sections.
