[Fwd: LF: HELP ! - Corona Discharge.]

[André Kesteloot]

Graham Phillips wrote:

> Greetings to all on the L.F. reflector.
>
> Since getting back on 136 kHz with my new VFO, higher power TX, I have
> experienced a problem which I think may be due to corona discharge somewhere
> on my aerial system. As I increase the TX output above about 175 watts, I
> have a wide-band noise appear on  local RX's, which sounds like a cross
> between sparking and white-noise. I have experienced the same effect with my
> Topband mobile whip, but the corona is easy to see at the top of a ten foot
> whip, and easily cured with a small ball.
>
> I have eliminated all sharp edges, put a ball at the far end of the aerial
> wire and improved the insulation at all supported parts of the wire (at
> least 1 meter insulation), but without the slightest difference. I am unable
> to see any blue glow, with binoculars or a night-vision scope.
>
> I wonder if anyone has any ideas, I am getting desperate !
>
> Many Thanks, de G3XTZ.
>
> Graham B. Phillips
> g3xtz@rgcomms.demon.co.uk