[TowerTalk] How to waterproof a split coax feed to yagi?

[Roger (K8RI)]

trappaport at austin.rr.com wrote:
> To feed my Force 12 HF yagis, I plan to wind my own coax baluns (8 turns of coax, 8" diameter - sound reasonable?), and would like to simply spilt the LMR400 coax feedline, with the ground braid going to one side of the dipole element, and the center conductor to the other. 
>   
Were it me...and it's not...I'd use coax connectors. Either one of those 
dipole center insulators with the connector molded in, or a connector on 
the LMR400 into a chassis connector. Use a large ring terminal on the 
outside of a round chassis connector one a smaller one screwed to the 
rectangular ones with 4 screw holes. Flood the coax connectors with DC4 
or 5 compound, slip flooded heat shrink over the coax, screw the coax 
onto the chassis connector and then liberally coat the open end of the 
chassis connector with liquid electrical tape. Then (after the liquid 
tape dries (give it 24 hours on a nice dry period) Then slide the 
flooded heat shrink over the connectors and about a half inch beyond the 
open end of the chassis connector (which is why I prefer the round 
connector.  Shrink tubing onto connectors and coax while dressing the 
leads out the end. Fill the open end of the tube with hot melt glue.  
Then after it cools give the end several coats of liquid electrical 
tape. Let the tape dry between coatings. I use the Red goop for these 
areas as it shows from the ground and can be inspected using binoculars 
or a telescope. Missing Red tape is usually quite visible. 

As for the balun I'd prefer one using a binocular core for plenty of 
isolation such as the one sold by DX engineering.

73

Roger (K8RI)
> I am wondering what is the best way to **waterproof** the split coax. Is there some type of goop or sealant that has excellent waterproofing and UV resistance, that I can use to keep water from seeping into the coax? I would welcome any thoughts and sources....neither Home Depot or Lowes had anything that seemed like it would work.
> 73 and thanks. Ted N9NB (trappaport at austin.rr.com)
>
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