[TowerTalk] Splicing and weatherproofing ladder line

[David Gilbert]

1.  Solder does not break down due to UV.

2.  The lead in lead-tin solder will react with moisture to form a white 
crumbly oxide.  Exposed to the elements, the entire joint will 
eventually become porous and brittle.  That's why plumbing solder is 
lead-free, and that is what I use (otherwise unprotected) for all my 
outdoor solder connections.

73,
Dave   AB7E




Dave Harmon wrote:
> Now ya got me thinking...slowly....
>
> In Calif I had an inverted V for 80mtrs hanging off my tower for 28 years.
> I never had any trouble other than my dawg chewing coax and rotor cables.
> I DO remembering being on the roof and noticing that the soldered,
> unprotected splices of wire used for the stubs were looking a bit
> gnarly....sort of white crumbly stuff....probably known as corrosion.
> These stubs were two wraps of 16awg 3' or 4' long solid copper, insulated.
> The solder joint was open to the weather. All I did was reheat and add new
> Multi-Core.
> I'm not saying that soldered connections don't need to be protected but I've
> never had problems. Probably a bit of Penetrox wouldn't hurt.
> I slathered up my Ht-Tower pretty good with that stuff.
>
>
> Regards
>
> Dave Harmon
> K6XYZ[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
> Sperry, Ok.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of KI9A at aol.com
> Sent: Friday, December 25, 2009 6:08 PM
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Splicing and weatherproofing ladder line
>
> Mine has been spliced, and uncovered since 1998. Looks great, works  great. 
>  Any kind of tape, ect., will break down FAR quicker than  solder.
>  
> 73- Chuck KI9A
>  
>  
> In a message dated 12/25/2009 6:04:41 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
> EZRhino at fastmovers.biz writes:
>
> I  thought I read somewhere that solder breaks down from the UV   
> light.  Taping it up or some liquid electrical tape should do the  trick.
>
> Chris
> KF7P
>
>
>
> On Dec 25, 2009, at 15:22 , John  Kemker wrote:
>
> Y'know, I would have though the solder itself would act  as a
> weatherproofing, as a proper solder joint is supposed to be  mechanically
> sound, first, then the solder surrounds the joint  with
> lead/tin/silver/whatever, providing an encapsulated joint that should  be
> protected from the elements.  Once you've soldered, a little bit  of
> liquid electrical tape or just plain electrical tape should do the  job.
>
> --JohnK
> 73 de W5NNH
> 10X 75371/M&M 117/SMIRK 6185/Six  Club 285/TRA 2499/Norcross 228 F&AM
>
>
>
> Wes Attaway (N5WA)  wrote:
>   
>> Twist the wires together over about a 1-inch length.   Solder the  
>> connection
>> and massage some coax-seal around  the joints.
>>
>> ------------------ Wes Attaway (N5WA)  ------------------
>> 1138 Waters Edge Circle - Shreveport, LA  71106
>>     318-797-4972 (office) - 318-393-3289  (cell)
>>         Computer Consulting and  Forensics
>> -------------- EnCase Certified Examiner  ---------------
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>>  From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
>>  [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of anthony
>> Sent:  Friday, December 25, 2009 11:44 AM
>> To:  towertalk at contesting.com
>> Subject: [TowerTalk] Splicing and  weatherproofing ladder line
>>
>> Merry christmas to  everyone.
>>
>> I need some advice. Im lengthining my 450 ohm ladder  line, The  
>> splice will
>> be outside in the elements. What  would be the best way to totally  
>> weather
>> proof the  connection. I was thinking a few coats of scotchcoat and  
>> then  some
>> GE clear silicone. Any help would be apreciated. thanks fellow  hams.
>>
>> tony k2vi