With the poor propagation currently making QSO’s hard work now is a good time to do some maintenance on your trusty outdoor parts. My Hustler 6-BTV is located near the house and the base is quite well sheltered but the salt water that comes in with the westerly winds corrodes things quite quickly.
In order to mitigate the worst of the salt water effects I take down the base and keep it in the garage over winter whilst the remaining sections are always kept out of harms way until I need them.
I noticed this year that the fed point was starting to get corroded in the treads so needed wire wool treatment to remove as much of the oxide as possible. The mast sections suffer as well and so they got similar treatment taking care not to to score the surface which could lead to harsher forms of corrosion that the general thinning that is happening.
A worthwhile exercise has brought the antenna back into service with the minimum amount of effort and almost no expenditure.
I am expecting to replace this section in due course but I’ll see how long I can make it last before having to throw it in the bin
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