[Antennas] Cleaning aluminum

Mon, 9 Feb 2004 01:05:20 -0600

OK now that I know how to clean an antenna, how can I age one...
I have a new antenna that is unbelievably shinny. It really sticks out.
I'm putting it over my Mosley that that has been up for years and is
a nice grey color that in almost invisible to others. How can I age the
new antenna without causing more corrosion in the long run.
Thanks,
Jeff, N0OST

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Christopher Boone
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 10:07 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Antennas] Cleaning aluminum

Chris
you made a good point about cleaning the oxide off; it is better to
leave the oxide on where it does not need to come off because of the
protection....only the connections need to be cleaned and then wx
proofed! (I got carried away with my DB420 because I wanted it to look
new....and it still does...in the evening sun, looking from the west
toward the tower, it sure shines! but at 180 ft high, WHO else is
looking at it besides me???!! ;)

Chris
WB5ITT

Chris BONDE wrote:

> Find out how to check the archives.  There is a whole section on cleaning
> aluminium.
>
> I think the summary would be, only clean the joints or electrical
contacts, use the
> special contact compound.  Cleaning the oxide off the al reduces the wall
thickness,
> may reduce the strength and causes more oxidation.  The oxides of aluminum
form
> a skin that protects the al and may even give it more strength.
>
> Check the archives as I am not that versed as I have no Al that I want
cleaned.  The
> dark stuff is harder to see than the shinny stuff.
>
> Chris opr VE7HCB
>

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