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[TowerTalk] Fwd: Rotor connector waterproofing?

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Fwd: Rotor connector waterproofing?
From: jmltinc@aol.com
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 08:55:29 -0400
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: jmltinc@aol.com
To: w3yy@cox.net
Sent: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 7:54 AM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?


The problem with waterproofing connectors is that what works for one, does not 
work for another.
 
My Elmer insists on electrical tape and a silicone product called Welders 
Cement available at Walmart. He tapes his connector and liberally spreads the 
Welders Cement over the joint. It is much easier to remove than Coax-Seal. It 
has never worked for me, and he too has failures. I mention this procedure as 
he has been a ham for 50 years and still uses it.
 
Electrical tape has micropores in it that, in my experience, suck water but do 
not release it as readily. Coax-Seal does not like to give up water either, is 
difficult to apply, and worse to remove.
 
It seems to me, instead of trying to keep the water out (which also keeps the 
water in), a better option is to have no place for the water to go. Stuf by 
Cross Devices shrinks as it ages, which tends to suck water.
 
You could try dielectric grease. I have used this method for several years now 
and have had no water problems (lucky?). I use it in rotor and coax connectors, 
liberally squeezing it into the connector cavity (cable side too) and spread it 
across the threads.
 
Good luck!
John, N9RF
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: w3yy@cox.net
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Sent: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 10:16 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?


Tom -

Interesting observation about the long-term effectiveness of the tape!

73, Bob - W3YY

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom McAlee" <tom@klient.com>
To: "TowerTalk" <towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 1:36 AM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?


> According to the SteppIR manual:
>
> "In the event you require more silicone wrap, Home Depot carries Model
> HTP-1010 Gardner Bender Silicone Rubber Fusion Tape in their electrical
> department, UPC code: 032076560102; Radio Shack and Wal-Mart are 
> authorized
> retailers fro the brand we buy, Tommy Tape.  You can also purchase extra
> from us, at $7 per 20 foot roll".
>
> By the way, I was less impressed with the tape when I peeled it off 18
> months later than I was when I first put it on.  It seemed like a nice
> sealer when I put it on.  After baking in the sun during that time, it
> seemed to lack the tightness and adherence that it had originally.
>
> I had started using it all over the place.  After seeing it 18 months 
> later,
> I am now back to Plasti-Dip or Coax Seal (placed on top of electrical tape
> to make it easier to remove).
>
> 73,
> Tom, NI1N
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Keith Dutson" <kdutson@sbcglobal.net>
> To: "TowerTalk" <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 5:46 PM
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?
>
>
>> This reminded me of another option.  Lately I have been using one layer 
>> of
>> 88 and another layer of rubber fusion tape.  This is the tape used to 
>> seal
>> the fiberglass joints on a SteppIR Yagi.  I purchased my tape off the
>> Internet.  So far it has been holding up quite nicely.
>>
>> 73, Keith NM5G
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
>> [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of JC Smith
>> Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 3:18 PM
>> To: K7LXC@aol.com; towertalk@contesting.com; WW5L@gte.net
>> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?
>>
>> You could use Scotch 88 then Scotchcote then another layer of 88.  I did
>> that to "repair" (more like "replace"... they were really shot) the
>> plastic
>> trap caps on an old HyGain tribander and it's still good after 10+ years.
>> However, for removable connection covers I would prefer 88 followed by
>> Scotch 23 (rubber splicing tape) and then another 88.
>>
>> 73 - JC, K0HPS
>> [snip]
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>
>
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