[TowerTalk] B&W center insul........

[Mike Miller]

Jake's suggestion got me to thinking....

What about a hose washer, instead of a section of hose, or possibly heading to the hardware store (or an auto parts store, for that matter) with the insulator and a short chunk of coax in hand for comparison's sake and seeing what they have available for o-rings?  Either or both of those options just might work.  I'd think that the o-ring might hold up better, though, since the hose washer isn't designed to be in the heat for long periods of time, like the o-ring is likely to be.  Just thinking out loud though....

I also remember reading one TT reader's caution about water getting into the insulator.  I've not seen one of these, so take this as just a suggestion, since I've not seen it, but if you're supposed to seal it shut, couldn't you simply seal those holes as well?  Is there any good reason that they should remain open?  I can see the potential need for drain holes on the *bottom* to allow potential condensation to drain, but wouldn't see why you'd need anything on the top.  Just a thought.  And you should be able to seal it with something as simple as automotive Permatex Black RTV.  That should hold up just fine outdoors.  Just don't goop it on too thick and you should be just fine.

I, too, will echo the good luck strain.

73,
Mike, WA0ZOG

>Just a shot in the dark, how about a piece of rubber hose??? Local hardware store, auto parts store, or even your back >yard if you have an old garden hose laying around.
>You could also get some of the self sealing rubberized electrical tape to wrap around the coax.