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Author Topic: Alpha Delta ATT3G50U cold performance  (Read 260 times)

VA3KRT

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Alpha Delta ATT3G50U cold performance
« on: February 05, 2023, 11:07:38 AM »

Here in VE3 land we just hit -31C (-24F) temperatures, and my 4 band endfed would not tune on anything. It is not 100% for certain what the exact cause is, but ... what is certain is that when I bypass the surge protector (ATT3G50U) with a union, everything works perfectly. When I first got these arrestors, I had a problem tuning as well, usually winter. The SWR would randomly go through the roof. Looking inside them, it was not obvious to see any manufacturing whiskers on the inside. I do not understand how such a simple device can be so finicky, and not clear why cold would be the worst time.  They are in a protected network box on the outside wall of the shack, and dry. Any thoughts?
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AE9DX

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Re: Alpha Delta ATT3G50U cold performance
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2023, 12:23:09 PM »

I use the same ones here in Northern Wisconsin with no issues and mine are out in the weather, but well wrapped with tape and coax seal.  Is it possible that the connections to the units got wet? Is the coax clean and not corroded? I've had some flakey things happen with just a bit of corrosion when water managed to infiltrate coax. Even in a box you can get humidty build up in the cold when the sun heats the box that can cause the type of problems you are experiencing.
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K6JH

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Re: Alpha Delta ATT3G50U cold performance
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2023, 06:49:55 PM »

The alpha-delta arrestors have replaceable gas tubes. Have you unscrewed and removed the tubes to check on the unprotected operation, but with the body of the arrestor in place?

If it’s related to the gas tubes and you’re using the low wattage protectors you might try buying replacement high wattage (high voltage) tubes.
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73
Jim K6JH

WA3SKN

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Re: Alpha Delta ATT3G50U cold performance
« Reply #3 on: February 06, 2023, 08:49:40 AM »

Static electricity probably took out the GDTs.  When it gets that cold static problems get high.
You might want to add a 1Mohm resistor between tip+ring of the coax to keep the buildup down.

-Mike.
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