[TowerTalk] aluminum protecting compound.

[K7LXC at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/6/03 8:32:44 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
KC7VDA at keepandbeararms.com writes:

> I have a serious problem with a Cushcraft C8 antenna. There seems to be a 
> dark non-conductive oxide that formes between some of the aluminum 
sections, 
> which resultes in the antenna not working on some of the bands. 
>  My question is , does anyone know of a protective conductive "grease"  
that 
> will prevent this oxidation from forming ?
>   And of course,  where can I get it ?

    Yep, that's aluminum oxide. Any aluminum joint should have an 
anti-oxidant on it (also copper joints). Home Depot carries NoAlOx (No Aluminum Oxide) in 
my area. 

    There are about a dozen or so of anti-oxidant recipes such as Penetrox, 
Ox-Gard, etc. Antenna manufacturers have some of their own like the paste from 
M2, Butter It's Not from Butternut, Mosley has some, etc. 

    There are two components of an anti-oxidant - conductive particles and a 
vehicle material. The anti-oxidant is not conductive but the particles pierce 
the oxidized layer when it's under compression. 

Cheers,
Steve    K7LXC
TOWER TECH -
Professional tower services for commercial and amateur 
888-833-3104