[TowerTalk] [wwdxc] RG213 Woes

[Clint Talmadge]

Self Vulcanizing tape can be purchased at Lowe's and most likely that other HIW store. There are a couple of different manufactures that range from $4.00 to $8.00 or so @ roll.

*To make sure everyone knows, I am the Department Manager of Lowe's #722 in Murray Kentucky.*

Clint - W5CPT


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Les Kalmus 
  Cc: towertalk at contesting.com 
  Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2007 11:56 AM
  Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] [wwdxc] RG213 Woes


  This is the method I use too except I like to wrap the innermost tape 
  layer sticky side out then overlap its ends with the next layer. This 
  way, if you have to open the connection in the future, there is never 
  any sticky residue on the connector. The Scotchkote is susceptible to UV 
  and needs to be covered by another layer of tape.

  I sometimes have trouble finding self vulcanizing tape. Any suggestions 
  for a quality, uninterrupted supply?

  Les W2LK

  K7LXC at aol.com wrote:
  >  
  > In a message dated 7/19/2007 1:06:42 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
  > wwdxc at yahoogroups.com writes:
  >  
  >     >  I forgot to mention, also, that the  use of barrel
  > connectors is discouraged, particularly in outdoor
  > runs.  Somehow corrosion always seems to occur in these
  > connectors, causing the swr  (and losses) to rise.
  >  
  >         I think the gist of this  thread is weatherproofing. I've installed 
  > dozens (hundreds?) of barrel connector  and other coax joints over the years 
  > and don't know of any that've failed. Most  amateurs make one or more mistakes 
  > when weatherproofing coax joints. 
  >  
  >         First, use 3M 33 or 88  tape. The 3 for a buck stuff from the 
  > hardware store won't cut it. 
  >  
  >         Next, use 2 pairs of  pliers to seat the connectors to the barrel 
  > connector. I'm not talking about  deforming the PL259 - it's just that finger 
  > tight is not enough.
  >  
  >         Wrap 2-3 wraps of tape  over the joint. Use a 50% overlap. Apply 
  > vapor wrap (butyl rubber - there are a  number of variations) over the joint. Wrap 
  > 2 more layers of tape over the vapor  wrap. If the coax runs vertically, the 
  > last wrap should go up. That'll make the  water run off like shingles on a 
  > roof. Wrapped the other way and you've got a  perfect duct for the water to get 
  > into the connection. 
  >  
  >         Jim, you said you used  these materials but maybe there was a step 
  > you missed or something. Following  the above scenario will give you a bombproof 
  > joint. Even leaving off the vapor  wrap will still result in a reliable 
  > weatherproof connection. Some commercial  installers spray the finished joint with 
  > clear Krylon spray paint which is  more belt-and-suspenders approach. 
  > ScotchKote has been used in the past but it's  really for buried connections and will 
  > dry up and flake off when used in an  outdoor application like this.
  >  
  > Cheers & GL,
  > Steve     K7LXC
  > TOWER TECH -
  > Professional tower services for hams
  > Cell: 206-890-4188
  >
  >
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