> I've really used up all the humor possible on this subject but it was great
> fun while it lasted. While polishing elements with Scotchbrite pads or
> steel wool or whatever will clean off the corrosion... IMHO, I seriously
> doubt it will make one iota of difference in the performance of the antenna.
>
> The serious point that needs addressing is the electrical contact between
> aluminum tubing sections. Here is where things make a difference. Scouring
> the inside and outside of the elements where they come into contact probably
> makes sense. Then, an absolute MUST is coating the inner tube with some
> kind of conductive lubricant such as Noalox or Penetrox or the like.
> Failure to do this will ultimately make it IMPOSSIBLE to ever separate the
> tubing sections later.
I absolutely agree with everything here EXCEPT, do not use steel
wool; it micro scratches the aluminum and can leave small particles
of steel which will come to no good later on.
>... and step back and admire how pretty it all looks glinting in
the sunlight....
Oh, no! Not the "glinting in the sunlight" thread again!
> Oh.... and be sure to mount a plastic owl on it just so that it doesn't get
> lonely at night!
Be sure and polish the owl.
73, Rod N4SI
The DXer formerly known as N9AKE
(c) 5 November, 1996
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