Beam Antenna element goop?

[nelsonwi7]

I recall a black paste that I used on my old Mosley beams. I am reassembling another beam now, and wonder what is recommended, if anything, to go between the aluminum tubing surfaces? I've been told to use nothing, vaseline and WD40 mixed with graphite. I don't ever recall reading about it in any ham publication.

Thank you.
Bill

[N9LCD]

Bill:

It's an anti-oxidation compound to prevent the formation of aluminum oxide between elements and connections. I can't remember the name but either Universal or AES should have something in that line.

Jerry

N9LCD

PS: Be careful with WD-40; it's flammable and shouldn't be usedon live circuits.

[nelsonwi7]

I see that Mosley still sells the anti-corrosion compound. I've used that in the past, and years later found it to be dried up, but possibly still working. One ham suggested that the screws are what make the rf electrical contacts. It would be a good topic for a CQ or QST article.

Bill

[k9yli]

stuff called Neversieze i think from ACE or auto parts places.
used on bolts and tower legs . Im not sure it is electrically suited to provide continuity. Comes ina small 4 oz tube.
Read the label.

[barry g. kery]

The actual product you are looking of is:
"Noalox" anti-oxidant joint compound. It is used in electrical breaker
boxes. When they run aluminum wire into a breaker box and connected it to a copper buss you can run into problems with two different types on connections. That's the reason for the Noalox. You can use the so called,
"Never seize" if you like. That would be C5-A copper based anti-seize lube.

Go to any GOOD hardware store and ask for the electrical anti-oxidant compound used in eletrical breaker boxes. Noalox is a brand, not the actual product in the bottle. Make sure you DO NOT use too much. Apply some on the beam's elements and then kind of wipe it off with your hand. It you put too much on, it will get dry and hard. You will not be able to take the elements apart. Just use a very thin film.

Barry, KU3X