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Author Topic: Heathkit Cantenna repair  (Read 337 times)

KI4HPW

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Heathkit Cantenna repair
« on: November 28, 2022, 09:29:03 PM »

I bought a "working" Cantenna online. With unboxing it something was rattling in the can. It turns out both of the "silver plated brass strips" on the resistor are broken and the top one was bouncing around in the can. Any ideas on a readily available replacement?

Thanks,
Gary
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K1MMI

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Re: Heathkit Cantenna repair
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2022, 03:32:01 AM »

Gary,
You might be able to solder it back together.

I had the same problem on my Cantenna. One band broke on the bottom of the resistor. I removed the resistor and used steel wool on the bottom and top of the resistor where the band goes around. I re-assembled with a band on the top of the resistor near the SO-239. On the bottom I tightened the 4 screws directly to the resistor, with no band, and my Cantenna has been working great.

After the fact I experimented and re-soldered the broken band together. It seems very solid and I think it would work.

I can't seem to figure out how to insert an image to show you a picture of the band I soldered back together. I seem to recall I had to do more disassembly to re-assemble the resistor.
Good Luck,
Ed
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KI4HPW

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Re: Heathkit Cantenna repair
« Reply #2 on: November 29, 2022, 05:37:42 AM »

Thanks Ed.

I didn't think of soldering it until after did the post. It also looks like my local Hobby Lobby may have flexible brass strips that would work. I wondered if the silver plating was needed for some reason but the bottom connects with brass screws so that shouldn't be an issue.
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W1VT

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Re: Heathkit Cantenna repair
« Reply #3 on: November 29, 2022, 06:03:33 AM »

Silver plating looks nice.

Clean brass will work just fine.  Immersed in oil it shouldn't oxidize.

Zak W1VT
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N2LXM

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Re: Heathkit Cantenna repair
« Reply #4 on: November 29, 2022, 08:17:39 AM »

Be careful of the oil. If the Cantenna is old. There could be P.C.B.'s in the oil. So handle with care.
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KD0REQ

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Re: Heathkit Cantenna repair
« Reply #5 on: November 29, 2022, 08:24:53 AM »

MFJ has a knockoff in production.
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K8AXW

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Re: Heathkit Cantenna repair
« Reply #6 on: November 29, 2022, 08:43:02 AM »

LXM brings up a point.  While PCB laden oil has been declared a carcinogen, it isn't like a rattlesnake!  Remember, transformer oil has been used for decades before the alarm. 

However, with the proliferation of disposable rubber gloves because of Covid, there's no reason not to have a box in the work area.

No need to take unnecessary risks with any chemicals we use in or daily lives.
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A Pessimist is Never Disappointed!

KI4HPW

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Re: Heathkit Cantenna repair
« Reply #7 on: November 29, 2022, 09:31:42 PM »

Thanks all.

The can is clean and dry with a slight oily smell. Still, I'll use care, gloves, in handling the repair. The lower screws are brass too and are making good contact with no oxidation.
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W9WQA

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Re: Heathkit Cantenna repair
« Reply #8 on: December 15, 2022, 09:06:16 AM »

clean and dry...?

you do need oil...
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