[TowerTalk] Fwd: Rotor connector waterproofing?

[Orcena Lyle]

Here in Minnesota, in the land of the 3M Company, here's how I learned to waterproof connections of all sorts.

Wrap Scotch #23 around the joint.  #23 stretches, covers every little bump, and fuses to itself.  #123 is the same, only heavier, and works for larger areas.

#23 (and #123) is UV sensitive, so must be covered with Scotch #88 (regular vinyl electrical tape) to protect it.

People say that they have taken this tape arrangement off of joints and found them dry years later.

73 de Orcy  WØQT
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: jmltinc at aol.com 
  To: towertalk at contesting.com 
  Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 7:55 AM
  Subject: [TowerTalk] Fwd: Rotor connector waterproofing?


  -----Original Message-----
  From: jmltinc at aol.com
  To: w3yy at cox.net
  Sent: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 7:54 AM
  Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?


  The problem with waterproofing connectors is that what works for one, does not work for another.
   
  My Elmer insists on electrical tape and a silicone product called Welders Cement available at Walmart. He tapes his connector and liberally spreads the Welders Cement over the joint. It is much easier to remove than Coax-Seal. It has never worked for me, and he too has failures. I mention this procedure as he has been a ham for 50 years and still uses it.
   
  Electrical tape has micropores in it that, in my experience, suck water but do not release it as readily. Coax-Seal does not like to give up water either, is difficult to apply, and worse to remove.
   
  It seems to me, instead of trying to keep the water out (which also keeps the water in), a better option is to have no place for the water to go. Stuf by Cross Devices shrinks as it ages, which tends to suck water.
   
  You could try dielectric grease. I have used this method for several years now and have had no water problems (lucky?). I use it in rotor and coax connectors, liberally squeezing it into the connector cavity (cable side too) and spread it across the threads.
   
  Good luck!
  John, N9RF
   
   
  -----Original Message-----
  From: w3yy at cox.net
  To: towertalk at contesting.com
  Sent: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 10:16 PM
  Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?


  Tom -

  Interesting observation about the long-term effectiveness of the tape!

  73, Bob - W3YY

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: "Tom McAlee" <tom at klient.com>
  To: "TowerTalk" <towertalk at contesting.com>
  Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 1:36 AM
  Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?


  > According to the SteppIR manual:
  >
  > "In the event you require more silicone wrap, Home Depot carries Model
  > HTP-1010 Gardner Bender Silicone Rubber Fusion Tape in their electrical
  > department, UPC code: 032076560102; Radio Shack and Wal-Mart are 
  > authorized
  > retailers fro the brand we buy, Tommy Tape.  You can also purchase extra
  > from us, at $7 per 20 foot roll".
  >
  > By the way, I was less impressed with the tape when I peeled it off 18
  > months later than I was when I first put it on.  It seemed like a nice
  > sealer when I put it on.  After baking in the sun during that time, it
  > seemed to lack the tightness and adherence that it had originally.
  >
  > I had started using it all over the place.  After seeing it 18 months 
  > later,
  > I am now back to Plasti-Dip or Coax Seal (placed on top of electrical tape
  > to make it easier to remove).
  >
  > 73,
  > Tom, NI1N
  >
  > ----- Original Message ----- 
  > From: "Keith Dutson" <kdutson at sbcglobal.net>
  > To: "TowerTalk" <towertalk at contesting.com>
  > Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 5:46 PM
  > Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?
  >
  >
  >> This reminded me of another option.  Lately I have been using one layer 
  >> of
  >> 88 and another layer of rubber fusion tape.  This is the tape used to 
  >> seal
  >> the fiberglass joints on a SteppIR Yagi.  I purchased my tape off the
  >> Internet.  So far it has been holding up quite nicely.
  >>
  >> 73, Keith NM5G
  >>
  >> -----Original Message-----
  >> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
  >> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of JC Smith
  >> Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 3:18 PM
  >> To: K7LXC at aol.com; towertalk at contesting.com; WW5L at gte.net
  >> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?
  >>
  >> You could use Scotch 88 then Scotchcote then another layer of 88.  I did
  >> that to "repair" (more like "replace"... they were really shot) the
  >> plastic
  >> trap caps on an old HyGain tribander and it's still good after 10+ years.
  >> However, for removable connection covers I would prefer 88 followed by
  >> Scotch 23 (rubber splicing tape) and then another 88.
  >>
  >> 73 - JC, K0HPS
  >> [snip]
  >>
  >> _______________________________________________
  >>
  >>
  >>
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  >>
  >
  >
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