There use to be a product with copper in it that I usedorro lubing light sockets on autos to prevent corrosion. I am sure it is not around now due to the price of copper.
Now that you mention it VapieDan, I recall using something similar while I was in the military that was used on the threads for antenna connections. It would come in the packaging along with the antenna hardware when it was purchased (small little tube with just enough for the installation).
The copper based products are still available, but they are more expensive. They also come in different variations of conductive metal particles, such as copper, aluminum, nickel, bronze, etc. The different mixtures of metal particles are designed for specific types of metal-to-metal connections in the threads (or other types of mating surfaces). This is because when you mate dissimilar metals, it can cause an electro-chemical type of corrosion called "
galvanic corrosion" (especially at much higher electrical currents). Different mixtures of anti-oxidant conductive grease are formulated with these dissimilar metal mating surfaces in mind to eliminate or reduce galvanic corrosion. For example, a zinc-based compound is recommended when aluminum-to-aluminum or aluminum-to-copper connections are used. I've read that a compound of nickel, copper, and bronze particles is often used when steel-to-steel mating surfaces are used to reduce galvanic corrosion.
These anti-oxidant conductive compounds are often used in the Telecommunications industry when an electrical connection is made that will basically be permanent and ensure a lasting, corrosion-free, reliable electrical connection. Since the threads in our Sigelei's are not a permanent connection, galvanic corrosion is likely not much of a concern for us. Those threads get moved around and cleaned often enough that it likely isn't an issue (electrical current is also relatively low). However, making a good electrical connection can be a concern, as many of us have already experienced first-hand.
Without much evidence to back myself up with, I'd be willing to go out on a limb and say that a copper-based compound would be the best type to use since copper is a better conductor than zinc. It probably isn't the best choice where galvanic corrosion is concerned (the Sigelei is steel-to-steel), but again I don't see that type of corrosion as a threat on these PV's. Having said that, it doesn't mean I'm going to toss my Noalox and order a $20 bottle of copper-based compound. My Noalox seems to do a good enough job of improving my electrical connection so that my device works reliably, and that's good enough for me. Once my Noalox runs out, I could consider buying a copper-based compound, but the added expense just doesn't seem to justify it over the much cheaper Noalox (or any other cheaper zinc-based compound for that matter).
Here are a couple of additional links I came across for purchasing anti-oxidant conductive compound if anyone is interested:
Georgia Copper (Copper or Zinc based)
Morris Anti-Oxidant (Zinc based)
The Wire Man (Multiple formulations of copper, aluminum, nickel, and bronze)
).
