Topband: tar on Beverage feed splices

[Jon Zaimes AA1K]

Hi Mike,

Most of my Beverage runs are hardline with splices at various spots 
along the way in the woods. I bring the splice a couple of feet above 
ground . A short copper pipe doubles as a support and ground rod for the 
shield. I use a hose clamp to clamp the shields and pipe together, and a 
short jumper wire is soldered between the two center conductors, or they 
are cut long enough so a small hose clamp bonds them together. The two 
ends point up. I then use an old plastic soda bottle with the end cut 
out to fit over the pipe and cables to keep the weather out. This allows 
for quick removal and inspection of the joint. I haven't had any 
failures (though occasionally a brisk wind will pop the bottle off).

I tried tar, tape, silicone and various other things to seal these 
connections and found many would still have enough moisture getting in 
to corrode the joints over time. And there was no way to check theme easily.

73/Jon AA1K.