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Re: [TowerTalk] Sealing Coax Connections

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Sealing Coax Connections
From: Art Greenberg <art@artg.tv>
Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2025 10:35:48 -0400
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I have been using adhesive lined heat shrink tubing to seal connectors outdoors for some time. The HST I've been using is made for the CATV industry by DSG-CANUSA. CFTV 1100 works well for connectors on .405 OD coax. Its especially handy in tight places where its just not possible to get a continuous wrap of electrical tape around the connection.

https://www.dsgcanusa.com/product/medium-and-heavy-wall-tubing-cftv/

I have had occasion to remove the stuff. I was seduced by the manufacturer's videos showing how easy the HST is to strip off of a connection. I soon discovered that while the glue doesn't adhere very strongly to unjacketed aluminum CATV cable and smooth connectors, it sure holds on well to jacketed coax and knurled connectors. It does come off quickly with lacquer thinner. Denatured alcohol also works and won't damage the coax, but requires a lot more patience. Lately I've taken to putting a wrap of electrical tape over the connection first, and making sure the HST extends beyond the tape a bit on both ends.

Once removed, I have seen no evidence of water intrusion in connections that have been out in the north-central Florida weather for 5 years.

The manufacturer's video shows using a propane or butane torch to shrink the stuff. I use a high temperature hot air gun. I was concerned about melting the coax under the HST, but I've seen no indication of that having happened in any of the connections I've taken apart.

I am tempted to try cold shrink. Unfortunately, its expensive at around $15 (or more) per application.

https://gammaelectronics.net/collections/cold-shrink-tubing
https://www.dsgcanusa.com/product/cold-seal-splice-kits-css-series/

On 4/18/25 18:12, Brian Beezley wrote:
Has anyone tried this method?:

https://tinyurl.com/mr3n2htx

Brian

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Art Greenberg
352.363.9002
art@artg.tv


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