[TowerTalk] quick waterproofing for PL-259 connectors?

Keith Dutson kjdutson at earthlink.net
Tue Feb 8 12:28:08 EST 2005


Two words: play dough

1. Take some rolled out like a thick tortilla and wrap it around the mated
connector, then mould it together.
2. Make it yourself in the kitchen the night before. Put in plastic bag for
trip to site.
3. When ready to demate, just slide/tear it off and deposit in plastic bag.
4. Yes, it's consumable.  Not harmful to environment.  You can even eat it,
or let the local varmints have a treat after you leave.
5. Only hands needed.
6. If you have trouble doing this in the dark/rain, you need help beyond my
ability.

Keith NM5G

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jim Lux
Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2005 7:51 AM
To: Towertalk
Subject: [TowerTalk] quick waterproofing for PL-259 connectors?

I'm looking for good ideas on how to waterproof a PL-259/SO-239 type
connection (say, a pair of PL's with a barrel in between) for temporary use.
There's lots of good ideas in the archives for permanent installation, but
what I'm looking for is something for a portable/field day operation.

1) real fast to mate (ideally, no extra time over what it takes to mate the
connectors)
2) cheap
3) real fast to demate
4) Ideally, no consumables
5) Doesn't require tools
6) Can be done in the dark/rain

Maybe something like a rubber boot that goes over the connector? (but how
does it seal on one of the ends?)

I'm interested in ideas for the "extension cord" (cable to cable) and the
"wall socket" (cable to equipment) usage model.

For the chassis mounted application, "rain tight" might be good enough (i.e.
it doesn't have to tolerate immersion), but for the cable to cable
application, water/mud/dirt proof is desirable.

While I'm thinking about it, ideas for waterproof or raintight 12VDC power
pole style connections and Cat5 networking would also be useful.


_______________________________________________

See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

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