Re: [TowerTalk] quick waterproofing for PL-259 connectors?

[Jim Lux <jimlux@earthlink.net>]

At 07:58 AM 2/9/2005, Michael Tope wrote:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jim Lux" <jimlux@earthlink.net>
> To: "Towertalk" <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2005 5:50 AM
> Subject: [TowerTalk] quick waterproofing for PL-259 connectors?
>
>
> > I'm looking for good ideas on how to waterproof a PL-259/SO-239 type
> > connection (say, a pair of PL's with a barrel in between) for temporary
> use.
> > There's lots of good ideas in the archives for permanent installation, but
> > what I'm looking for is something for a portable/field day operation.
> >
> > 1) real fast to mate (ideally, no extra time over what it takes to mate
> the
> > connectors)
> > 2) cheap
> > 3) real fast to demate
> > 4) Ideally, no consumables
> > 5) Doesn't require tools
> > 6) Can be done in the dark/rain
> >
> > Maybe something like a rubber boot that goes over the connector? (but how
> > does it seal on one of the ends?)
>
>
> It just occurred to me that those orange traffic cones would
> work really well if you capped the tops of the cones so the
> water woudn't run through. They are weighted so they won't
> fall over in the wind. You just make the splice and the shove
> it up into the apex of the cone and your done. This would
> work well for RG-8 type coax. For smaller stuff like RG-8X,
> you might need a hook inside to hold the splice up. The cones
> stack up for easy storage and they can also serve to mark
> out the portable site (and the locations of all the coax splices
> - easy to find in the dark). Home Depot carries them. The
> store I saw them in they had two sizes, regular and small.
> The small ones, would be perfect. That would be a lot easier
> than messing with sticky stuff, condoms, or finger cots. Very
> fast setup and tear down (seconds each).

Hmm... now that's interesting.
The same technique could also work as a more durable "weather shield" than 
the 2 liter coke bottle particularly for things on the ground where people 
would be tripping over them.

And, orange cones have the advantage of looking "official", so if I'm doing 
my "deploy by the side of the road thing", along with using one of those 
aluminum clipboard boxes, and wear a day-glo orange vest, they'll just 
think I'm CalTrans... woo hoo.. probably could BS your way through without 
an Adventure Pass, too...

Ok... all you UHF/VHF rover guys, watch out.. I'm getting ready to do it 
with "real wavelengths" measured in tens of meters.  (I'll leave the 
topband for you, Mike, though..)

Jim 


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