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Electronics => RF, Microwave, Ham Radio => Topic started by: ronsch on April 10, 2016, 12:31:57 am

Title: Oxidation on Mag Loop Antenna
Post by: ronsch on April 10, 2016, 12:31:57 am

Does anyone know whether oxidation on an aluminum mag loop surface reduces performance over time? I have a Pixel Pro-1B receive-only non-resonant amplified loop antenna that has been in the weather for several years.

Thanks, Ron
K2RAS

Title: Re: Oxidation on Mag Loop Antenna
Post by: T3sl4co1l on April 10, 2016, 04:54:40 am

As long as it's solid I doubt you'll notice a difference.  Mind possible corrosion of internal surfaces / structures / connections.

Tim

Title: Re: Oxidation on Mag Loop Antenna
Post by: AF6LJ on April 10, 2016, 09:38:53 pm

Since Aluminum oxide is an insulator I suspect there won't be a problem.

Title: Re: Oxidation on Mag Loop Antenna
Post by: borjam on April 11, 2016, 02:29:56 pm

Quote from: ronsch on April 10, 2016, 12:31:57 am

Does anyone know whether oxidation on an aluminum mag loop surface reduces performance over time? I have a Pixel Pro-1B receive-only non-resonant amplified loop antenna that has been in the weather for several years.

Being non resonant it shouldn't be a problem. It might be for a resonant, transmitting loop which requires a very high Q to be efficient. But for a receiving antenna I don't think it will be a problem at all. Moreover, aluminum tends to form a passive oxide layer, it doesn't get deeper as far as I know (unlike other metals like iron).


(Wellbrook ALA-1530+ and MFJ1788 user here)

Title: Re: Oxidation on Mag Loop Antenna
Post by: donmr on April 11, 2016, 06:43:31 pm

In normal air aluminum always has an oxide on its surface but its pretty clear.

Are you seeing corrosion?

Title: Re: Oxidation on Mag Loop Antenna
Post by: ronsch on April 11, 2016, 06:45:05 pm

No corrosion is seen.  Just the normal concern is the antenna working as well as it can...

Ron
K2RAS