[TowerTalk] Teflon dielectric waterproofing filler

[Roger (K8RI)]

I would suggest using caution when flooding connectors which is what they 
appear to be recomending. They also mention the threads, but those are the 
least of your problems with PL-259s when it comes to weather proofing.

The cable *will* breathe and if flooded at both ends it will alternately 
force the compound out and in with temperature and barometric changes. This 
will eventually leave voids in one or both connectors for moisture to enter 
but with restricted flow that will tend to cause the condensation to collect 
as liquid water in the cable. This usually happens in the braid, but with 
quasi air dielectrics such as 9913 it can collect around the center 
conductor.

As you can tell I'm not a fan of flooding connectors although I have done it 
at times in the past and it does appear to work. The stuff is messy and a 
"Dirt Magnet" which requires added care in handeling once the compound is in 
the connector. Although a good insulator, contact pressure forces it out 
from between the mating surfaces so you still get a good contact that 
shouldn't corode. OTOH a *little* on the threads may prevent gauling and add 
life to the connector. With all the entry points for moisture/water in a 
PL-259 what little additional water proofing they get from geasing the 
threads probably makes little difference.

When using flooding compound, I flood only the upper most connector and then 
make certain all splices and connectors between the top and bottom ends are 
waterproofed as best as possible. The bottom end, which should be out of the 
elements is left open so the cable can breathe.

As for weather proofing connectors there are a number of approaches that are 
regularly beaten to death on here. You have your choice of coax seal (TM), 
different types of tape, liquid electrical tape, combinations of  two or all 
three, heat shrink tubing, and flooded heat shrink tubing. Each have their 
advantages and advocates. My personal preference is the industrial grade 
(MMM) flooded heat shrink tubing which with two sizes works on both UHF and 
N-connectors for RG-58 up through LMR 600. RG-58 and oter small cables will 
require the larger size over the smaller for a good seal.

73

Roger (K8RI)


Yesterday, I went to Cable X-Perts in Glenview, IL to pick up two cable
assemblies of their version of LMR-400UF with PL-259s attached to use
between my remote coax switch and yagis.  The connectors were crimped, had
soldered pins and heat shrink tubing and looked terrific - no comparison to
the short jumpers I had bought from them a few years ago.

While I was there, Nick, the new owner (not a ham), gave me a tube of Teflon
dielectric waterproofing filler.  Does anyone know if this is the same as
what others here have reported on previously?  Being in AZ and NM for most
of my life, waterproofing wasn't something I paid a lot of attention to.  I
just did a couple of reverse wraps with good tape.  Their stuff is at
http://www.cablexperts.com/cfdocs/cat.cfm?ItemGroup=15&itmsub=0&bskt=0&USA_s
hip=1&c=0 .

Now I'm back in the Midwest.  Is this a good idea for PL-259s?  (Yes, I know
Ns are better.)

Jim N7US





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