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> Ever since the '60s I have used Vaseline on all outdoor antennas. This
> obviously includes all nuts and bolts, but also splice connections,
> connectors, etc. If we ASSUME (and ensure!) that we have good mechanical
> AND electrical connections, we can apply a liberal amount to Vaseline. It
> fills in seams/pores, prevents air AND water from reaching components
> (prevents oxidation), is cheap, NEVER solidifies, and is relatively easy
> to clean up. A drawback: it collects dirt! Dust and dirt will 'stick' to
> the surface of the Vaseline. However, if good M&E connections were made
> PRIOR to applying the Vaseline, this is not a problem as this contamination
> resides on the surface.
>
> I do not know if this material will present a problem under high power. I
> have used up to 200,000 mW without a problem. I have not noticed any
> 'migration' of the Vaseline. That is, I have not seen the Vaseline
> migrate into a good M&E connection and make it a bad connection.
>
> Aside from the *obvious* uses, has anyone else used it for antennas?? I
> have taken a TA-33Jr, dipoles and coax in after being outdoors for
> years... no oxidation visible after clean-up, no water/moisture in coax,
> nuts and bolts operate as new...
>
> Allright, NOW go ahead and tell me why Vaseline is the worst thing to
> use!!
Well I used it many times when Silicone grease was not available. It does
not work as well on bolts, but still better than nothing. does tend to run
out of a joint though.
Just don't go to Wallgreens at 12 PM to grab a jar and a pack of D cells. No
one will belive your antenna got blown down and your flashlight is dead!
73's
- --
Bryan Fields, KB9MCI
____________________
Caution: Keep out of reach of children.
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