When I put up my tower I used the previously mentioned method of wrapping
entirely with 3M 33 or 88 tape (Home Depot has it), followed by a layer of
ScotchKote, (let dry) followed by another layer of 3M 33 or 88 tape. I
always use a pigtail on my antennas so all of them have a barrel
connector...only once had a failure in 50 years. I used a real cheap barrel
(not amphenol and I fried it - high SWR). I never had a good one go.
Always cut the 3M tape, never tear it you teeth or pull it apart. Don't
stretch the tape when putting it on or it will eventually pull loose and
flutter in the breeze.
Not a weather proofing issue, but 3M also makes lots of different colored
tape now and you can color code everything with it. On long runs of coax, I
put a couple of rounds of the same color on both ends. It is real convenient
for old folks like me with faulty memories! I don't know if the 33/88 come
in colors or not. The colored tape I have is 3M but NOT 33/88 so not good
for connectors.
Bill, W5VX
>-----Original Message-----
>From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:towertalk-
>bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Craig Clark
>Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2007 10:57 AM
>To: towertalk@contesting.com
>Subject: [TowerTalk] weather proofing
>
>
>>
>> > I forgot to mention, also, that the use of barrel
>>connectors is discouraged, particularly in outdoor
>>runs. Somehow corrosion always seems to occur in these
>>connectors, causing the swr (and losses) to rise.<
>>
>> K7LXC> I think the gist of this thread is weatherproofing.
>> I've installed
>>dozens (hundreds?) of barrel connector and other coax joints over
>>the years and don't know of any that've failed. Most amateurs make
>>one or more mistakes when weatherproofing coax joints.
>
>Amen
>
>>
>> First, use 3M 33 or 88 tape. The 3 for a buck stuff from the
>>hardware store won't cut it.
>
>Amen, Amen
>
>>
>><snip> ScotchKote has been used in the past but it's really for
>>buried connections and will dry up and flake off when used in
>>an outdoor application like this.
>>
>
>FWIW, I have coated a number of splices over the years with
>Scotch-kote and have never found this to be the case. Liquid tape
>and either Coax seal or electrician's duct seal are also highly
>suggested. ALL go over the first two layers of tape.
>
>
>
>73, Craig Clark, K1QX
>
>
>RADIOWARE AND RADIO BOOKSTORE
>PO BOX 209
>RINDGE NH 03461
>603 899 6957
>WWW.RADIO-WARE.COM
>
>
>
>
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