Author Topic: Oxidation on Mag Loop Antenna  (Read 2722 times)

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Offline ronschTopic starter

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Oxidation on Mag Loop Antenna
« 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
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Offline T3sl4co1l

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Re: Oxidation on Mag Loop Antenna
« Reply #1 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.

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Offline AF6LJ

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Re: Oxidation on Mag Loop Antenna
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2016, 09:38:53 pm »
Since Aluminum oxide is an insulator I suspect there won't be a problem.
Sue AF6LJ
 

Offline borjam

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Re: Oxidation on Mag Loop Antenna
« Reply #3 on: April 11, 2016, 02:29:56 pm »
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)
 

Offline donmr

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Re: Oxidation on Mag Loop Antenna
« Reply #4 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?
 

Offline ronschTopic starter

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Re: Oxidation on Mag Loop Antenna
« Reply #5 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
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