Technical data

Preventive Maintenance
Preservation of
Component Parts
Aluminum Parts
Galvanized Surfaces
Lubrication
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When preserving component parts, refer to the following paragraphs in this section.
Remove all loose paint and corrosion by scraping, wire brushing or using steel wool. If
using steel wool near the feed window, make sure that none remains on the feed horn
window. Edges of existing paint can be blended with a metal surface by using a fine grit
sandpaper. Wipe the surface to be painted with a soft rag dampened in trichlorethylene,
lacquer thinner or equal. Be certain to remove all loose paint, corrosion, imbedded dirt,
grease and oil deposits or the paint will not adhere to the surface. Lacquer thinner will
dissolve paint if applied heavily and rubbed vigorously. The reflector may be washed
with plain water if necessary. Do not use bleach, soap solutions or kerosene as it is difficult
to remove the residue. Allow the cleaned surfaces to dry thoroughly before priming.
Prime the cleaned surface by applying zinc chromate primer. The primer can be applied
with brush, roller or pressurized spray. If necessary, thin the primer with lacquer thinner
to the proper consistency. Feather primer onto adjacent painted surfaces. Allow primer
to thoroughly dry before applying the finish paint coat.
Paint all RF surfaces, such as the inside of the main reflector and subreflector with a
high-reflectance white paint. This type of paint disperses light rays, reducing the focusing
effect of the sun’s radiation, thereby reducing heat build-up caused by the focused
sun’s rays on the feed system. Rear surfaces of the reflector and subreflector may be
painted with a flat white enamel paint. The paint can be applied with a brush, roller or
pressurized spray. If necessary, thin the paint with the appropriate thinner to the proper
consistency. Thoroughly pain over the primed surfaces and blend with the existing painted
surfaces.
Remove all loose paint and corrosion by scraping, wire brushing or using steel wool.
Edges of existing paint can be blended with the metal surface by using a fine grit
sandpaper. Wipe the surface to be painted with a soft rag dampened in trichlorethylene,
lacquer thinner, or equal. Be certain to remove all loose paint, corrosion, imbedded dirt,
grease, and oil deposits or the paint will not adhere to the surface. Lacquer thinner will
dissolve paint if applied heavily and rubbed vigorously. Do not use bleach, soap solutions
or kerosene as it is difficult to remove these products’ residue. Allow the clean surface
to dry thoroughly before painting.
Paint the cleaned surface with a zinc-rich paint. The paint can be applied with a brush,
roller or pressurized spray. If necessary, thin the paint with the appropriate thinner to the
proper consistency.
Thoroughly paint over the cleaned surface and blend with the existing painted surface.
For long life and trouble-free operation be certain no to extend the lubrication schedule
beyond the frequency recommended in Table 1. The frequency should be shortened if
the antenna is subjected to an adverse environment (e.g. high temperature, extended
periods of rainfall, high humidity, dust storms, etc.). Any component or part should be
immediately be lubricated if, during inspection or operation, rough, jarring or intermittent
motion is noted, or if squeaky or other unusual noises are heard. Lubrication is required
on all metal-to-metal rolling or sliding parts. Use the lubricants recommended. Do not
over lubricate. Over-lubrication can often be as damaging as under-lubrication. Prior to
the application of lubricant to any parts, use a clean cloth and/or bristle brush and
remove any old lubricant to prevent an excessive build-up.