I live 50 yds from the Gulf of Mexico. Salt is EVERYWHERE.
It's tough on every thing. Aluminum oxidizes big-time.
Aluminum can be separated easily using propane torch with
blow torch tip. This will not(shouldn't) overheat the aluminum.
Heat evenly all the way around and let cool. Oxidation turns to dust.
A light tap will loosen and it easily separates. Clean good.
Use Noalox next time.
The conductive paste from KLM turns to an insulator.
Use Noalox and join all mated aluminum with ss sheet metal screws.
I had to couple two lengths of coax to reach the beam. I know the
best way to do this is to attach connectors, etc. but I didn't.
I soldered the center conductor together, wrapped it with Scotch 33
and sprayed it with red urethane seal coat by CRC. Soldered the
shields together, taped and sprayed, taped and sprayed again. It's
been up for 15 years. Removed the outer layer of tape last year
to check. Looked like new inside. Retaped and sprayed.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Bill W5EC
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