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Re: [TowerTalk] Connector Protection Grease

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connector Protection Grease
From: "Roger (K8RI) on TT" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>
Date: Wed, 11 May 2016 16:19:48 -0400
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I would not hesitate to use a silicone dielectric grease in a UHF connector. Its first use was as a sealing grease in the spark plug boots on B-17s in WWII for which it was developed.

I think the silica in silicone greases confusion comes from the fact that all silicones are essentially made from silica (powdered quartz) which is highly abrasive, BUT the silica does not exist in silicones. There is nothing abrasive in silicones unless its been added somewhere along the line. Silicone greases and silicone RTV are all derived from Silicon dioxide (Quartz, or silica). Quartz (Silicon Dioxide) is turned into metallic silicon. That is treated with chemicals producing a liquid. That liquid is treated, or processed in many ways to get the silicon used in semiconductors, greases, water proofing, RTVs, to "non stick" treatments.

That said, a high voltage arc, or any arc in silicones such as dielectric greases will break the silicone down into silica which is highly abrasive. Silicone grease as we think of it is NOT a lubricant, EXCEPT for slow speeds like door hinges and latches, or the old TV tuners.. Used in high speed applications, it will break down into silica.

I base my statements on having worked many years for the company that developed these compounds.
I retired from them as a corporate level project manager.

73

Roger  (K8RI)



On 5/11/2016 Wednesday 3:14 PM, Bob K6UJ wrote:
Riki,

I am planning to use a dielectric grease as you for the same purpose.
I haven't decided yet which one to use.
Here is an interesting write up about selecting a grease from W8JI's website.

http://www.w8ji.com/dielectric_grease_vs_conductive_grease.htm

73,
Bob
K6UJ



On 5/11/16 9:01 AM, Riki, K7NJ wrote:
I am considering applying Loctite Dielectric Tune-up Grease to the mating surfaces of connectors that are difficult to access at the top of a tower. I would appreciate comments about this - especially from anyone who has used
this product for this purpose.

73, Riki, K7NJ



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73

Roger (K8RI)


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