[TowerTalk] to anodize or not to anodize

[Roger (K8RI)]

Michael E Fox (N5MEF) wrote:
> I need to know whether or not to have the aluminum panels I'll use for a
> lightening arrestor bulkhead and for a grounding/bonding bulkhead anodized.
>
>  
>
>   
Alodyning (SP?) would probably be a better choice.  It's a good 
corrosion protection and electrically conductive, but also physically 
fragile. It's relatively easy to do, but messy and the chemicals are a 
bit nasty.  It gives that gold color you see on some aluminum chassis
 OTOH it's probably not necessary to do any thing to the bulkhead except 
protect it from the elements.

73

Roger (K8RI)

> It would sure make it look better.  But since anodizing is a process which
> actually creates an oxide layer, I'm thinking that it will actually serve to
> reduce electrical conductivity when, in fact, I want it to be maximum.
> After all, that's why we use products like Noalox, etc., right?
>
>  
>
> So, just to check my thinking:  I believe I should use non-anodized
> aluminum, clear any oxide where I will make connections, use Noalox on those
> connections, and let the rest anodize on it's own.  Correct?
>
>  
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>  
>
> 73,
>
> Michael - N6MEF
>
>  
>
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