[TowerTalk] Splicing and weatherproofing ladder line

[Bill K2OWR]

::::Geez, all these endless theories about a simple solder connection and 
you come (David) on here and explain exactly what the real reason is, and 
how to avoid the problem. BRAVO

Will this thread die now? I doubt it :-(

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Gilbert" <xdavid at cis-broadband.com>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, December 25, 2009 20:57
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Splicing and weatherproofing ladder line


>
> 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
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