[SCCC] Copper Paste

[Dennis Younker NE6I]

Hmmm. We know aluminum to aluminum causes a black corrosion in short order. 
That corrosion is an insulator.  We also know that dissimilar metals cause 
corrosion. I hadn't thought about copper to aluminum previously. In my past 
experience though, Penetrox applied to aluminum yagis was a positive 
experience. Penetrox was shipped with KLM antennas 20+ years ago. I've been 
out of touch since then.

Your suggestions of products at Home Depot is intriguing.


--Dennis, NE6I

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dan Violette" <danki6x at earthlink.net>
To: "'Dennis Younker NE6I'" <ne6i at cox.net>; <sccc at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2011 7:30 PM
Subject: Re: [SCCC] Copper Paste


> You will get a boat load variety of answers.  Copper and aluminum are a
> corrosion concern, but the grease part helps keep the water out so many 
> love
> the copper containing.  Home Depot has various stuff and I have been told
> the "Ox-Gard" (a conductive grease which I have gotten there) is the best.
> I don't know the conductive material, but it is said to also bite into the
> aluminum for good coverage.  These are used for aluminum wiring and are in
> the electrical department.  I believe they have the material called
> something like Aluminox too.
>
> Dan KI6X
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: sccc-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:sccc-bounces at contesting.com] On
> Behalf Of Dennis Younker NE6I
> Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2011 7:13 PM
> To: sccc at contesting.com
> Subject: [SCCC] Copper Paste
>
> In an attempt to improve my HOA handicapped home station, I have just 
> taken
> delivery of a Cushcraft rotatable multiband antenna. (Geez I miss my half
> acre QTH complete with yagis of years ago.)
>
> The last time I assembled an HF antenna, copper paste was included to
> prolong the integrity of the element joints. This antenna did not come 
> with
> this. I emailed Cushcraft about it but I am sure they will reply that they
> do not feel it is necessary. Past experience tells me this is not true.
> Aluminum joints develop corrosion and insulation between the pieces over
> time.
>
> I think I have some copper paste buried somewhere, but just in case, does
> anyone have a good source for it?
>
> --Dennis, NE6I
>
> _______________________________________________
> SCCC mailing list
> SCCC at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/sccc
>
> _______________________________________________
> SCCC mailing list
> SCCC at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/sccc