Nogyro

My Feedback: (10)

I've got a Futaba 8UAFS, and the antenna is really hard to get extended. I've wiped it down with alcohol, but that is only a temporary fix. A couple of days later, it's right back where it started. What's the best way to keep it "lubed" . Keep you mind out of the gutters for the reply, thank you. hahaha

Icebird

Try some silicone lubricant spray. Give it a good spray, and then wipe it with a clean paper towel. If all else fails, it's only a few bucks for a new antenna.

HTH
Jim

Nogyro

My Feedback: (10)

I'll give the silicone spray a try today. Thanks

Scar

My Feedback: (3)

Here's some FYI, you can take it for what it's worth.

I had a radio with an antenna that was very difficult to extend and collapse. Eventually, the plastic anchor boss in the transmitter case cracked from fatigue. Every time you pull it out, and push it back in, it loads that boss each way, and it's like bending a paper clip back & forth.

When I replaced the antenna with a new unit, I noticed the crack. The new antenna was so easy to exend and retract that I didn't worry about it, but I will never ignore a stiff antenna again. I figure the stiffness was from deformation, rather than any lack of lubrication or internal gumminess.

So my actual recommendation is to replace the antenna with a shiny, slick new one.

Good luck,
Dave Olson

JohnBuckner

My Feedback: (1)

Never use any kind of lubricant or silicon on an antenna. That could act as an insulator between the sections or increase the resistance. This can effect range. Only clean with alcohol.

John

Geistware

My Feedback: (16)

I have this problem with my antennae.
It is more of a nussance than a problem
I would not lubricate it because lubricants attract dust and dirt.
Just spend the $12 or so and replace it.

Nogyro

My Feedback: (10)

We had talked about the oil or silicone being an insulator and not allowing proper touching of the joints. That's why I never went that route. I've been holding the base of the antenna while expanding and closing it just for the reason of not wanting to break the plastic holder the the antenna it screwed into. Sounds like I need to splurge and spend $12 or so and get a new one. I've only had this one for 4 or 5 years. Thanks guy.[8D]

Geistware

My Feedback: (16)

I stand corrected, it is only $10
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXH472&P=ML

Nogyro

My Feedback: (10)

Thanks for the link Geistware. I've added it to my never ending list.........

AirBearMA

My Feedback: (1)

A couple of alternatives to replacing the antenna.

1 Use a "Tuner Cleaner" that you could pick up at an electronic supply store... possibly at Radio Shack

2 Use WD-40. It has been used for years for cleaning switches, scratchy potentiometers, and electrical contacts.