[TowerTalk] cleaning aluminum beam elements

[Jim Lux]

Jim Lux wrote:
> TexasRF at aol.com wrote:
>> I am quite concerned about all the aluminum cleaning chat recently. It is  
>> well known that any of these abrasive cleaners and pads will leave  
>> micro-scratches in the aluminum surface. 
> 
> 
> Due to the skin effect at our high  frequencies,
>> the rf flow will encounter a maze of conduction channels that not  only will 
>> increase the electrical length of the element, can reverse the  electron flow, 
>> creating pattern nulls in some directions.
> 
> 
>>  
>> The only approved method of restoring beam antenna appearance and  
>> performance is replacement of the aluminum tubing. 
> 



But doesn't Jo Gunn or a similar vendor sell some sort of antenna 
polish/grease?  Couldn't one just hose your antenna down, and it would 
be easier than either scrubbing OR realuminuming?

you got me..and it's not even april yet.
Jim, W6RMK