I haven't seen one of the "pipe bombs" but the improved method, i.e. the
rectangular box looks like a step in the right direction, toward good
maintainability. Unfortunately the penetrations for the cables to
enter/leave the box certainly do not look water tight. Too bad they came
so far in the right direction and then stopped short of what to me seems
obvious. Even tight fitting rubber grommets held captive by form fit
molding of the box would be way better. If the box is not "theirs" but
instead is COTS then watertight bulkhead compression fittings could be
added on by drilling holes to accept them. If there is clearance then
the Watertight fitting could be retrofitted by a DIY guy and the
original holes plugged with silicone caulk or...
Too bad the picture doesn't show all the gasketed lid as there may be
something to seal the holes like low density foam gasket material or...
Patrick NJ5G
On 3/1/2015 9:05 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
On 2015-03-01 5:40 AM, Ian White wrote:
Another major failing is the tacky method of connecting the 13 drive
wires for the stepper motors - a 10-cent screw terminal block inside
a short length of plastic pipe. This summer's job is to install a
waterproof plastic box with a waterproof multipole connector, and I
would recommend new owners to do that on Day 1.
SteppIR now offer an optional "connector box" ... here's what they
say:
OPTIONAL Connector Junction Box: Replaces the standard cylindrical
plastic housing; The standard antenna comes with a cylindrical
plastic housing (affectionately referred to by many as the “pipe
bomb”, due to its looks) with plastic caps on each end. The
control cable wires are connected to terminal strips, which are
then placed into the plastic housing. The connector junction box
is a hinged enclosure that has female terminal headers mounted
inside. The control cable and EHU cables are then connected to a
male terminal plug, creating a pluggable/unpluggable connection for
the antenna wiring. The connector junction box also includes a 25
pin female dsub mounted inside, for testing the antenna at the
point of installation. Highly recommended!
Picture:
http://www.steppir.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DB42-junction-box.jpg
It is relatively pricey and obviously not for everyone but makes a much
neater and easy to maintain/troubleshoot installation.
73,
... Joe, W4TV
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