In a message dated 96-06-27 11:45:48 EDT, you write:
>I don't have a mini-quad, but in general I would warn about using
>silicone sealer in electronics applications. The standard silicone
>bathtub sealer sold at Home Depot generates acetic acid as part of the
>curing process, which explains the vinegar smell. The acid is corrosive,
>which is NOT what you want for electronic applications! For electronics
>applications, there are other types of silicone sealer which use different
>curing processes that are non-corrosive. I don't remember the number,
>but the stuff is called RTV, is gray, and doesn't smell like vinegar when
curing.
>
Tony --
Excellent advice.
RTV cures by absorbing moisture out of the air; not a desireable
condition for your connections. In addition, it releases a solvent material,
the ascetic acid Tony mentions, during the curing process. That is why some
RTV feels greasy after it's been curing for awhile. You wind up with a
double whammy -- your connection is absorbing moisture and giving off a
solvent that is detrimental to the joint. If you still feel like you want to
use it, my suggestion is to use either aquariam caulk or the Dow Corning
3145 RTV Adhesive Sealant. They will both work better than your garden
variety RTV.
Better yet, use Scotch 33 or 88 tape with some butyl rubber vapor wrap
for a real reliable commercial-type joint.
73, Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH -- professional tower supplies and services for amateurs
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