[TowerTalk] Corrosion proofing Elements/connections

[Fred Mott CPA Inc]

I recently took down a 130 Rohn 45G tower, 4 element 20 meter Hy-Gain 204BA
and a Hy-Gain 10/15 Duo-bander.  The antennas were installed sometime in
1975 (30 years).  I used all SS hardware and Ox-Guard on the Aluminum
elements.  The antennas were painted with a mixture of varnish and Thomson's
water seal.  The antennas are still in very good shape.  The varnish & water
seal had completely disappeared.  Go ahead and use your good common sense.
Fred, AB8AH   

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of KT2Q
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 9:28 PM
To: TowerTalk
Subject: [TowerTalk] Corrosion proofing Elements/connections

All,

What's the best way to protect electrical connections from corrosion? I have

new antennas going up and would like keep the balun connections corrosion 
free as long as possible.

Since there are two different metals involved with the driven element / 
balun connection (stailess nuts, bolts and aluminum elements) is Penetrox 
the best thing to use? I was thinking of Penetrox and then a liquid tape or 
Scotchkote on the balun connections.

I was also thinking about coating the balun housing and balun wire with 
something to keep UV from taking it's toll?

On the element joints -- is it best to use Noalox or Penetrox? It seems both

would keep connections corrosion free and do the same job with conductivity.

Is there a difference?

Has anyone taken apart Yagi elements after 5 or 10 years and noticed if the 
Noalox or Penetrox stopped corrosion from forming?

Thanks,

Tony KT2Q