W9IQ, Hi Glenn,thanks for getting back to me, understood that grounding doesn't neccessarily cure common mode currents, i do have a number of DX Engineering, Balun Designs chokes and baluns in my various antenna feeds.
Take your point re soldering and use of Stainless steel fixtures, i do exclusively use S/S hardware for fastening all hardware in and out of the shack.
I will attempt the copper pipe idea as the length of distance to ground from my upstairs shack is considerable, however do the same wavelength vs length considerations occur with the larger diameter of the copper pipe over say a 15 -20 feet distance.
Glenn freezing conditions are extremely rare in my part of the country, our last winter day here was 28 C or 82 F although the nights cool to maybe 10 c.
Thanks again for your advice, always appreciated, all the best Ross.
WA9AFM, Hi, I'll have a look online to see if its easily available here.
All the best , Take care - Ross.