[TowerTalk] Sealing coax connectors

[Bob K6UJ]

Jim,

(I took the liberty of using a new subject for my response to this item in your posting in the "PL259 insertion loss" thread.)  

> ##  and don't forget to use dow corning dc-4/5 on all the connectors, including threads, pins, and center females.  The 7-16 is clearly
> the connector of choice for the bigger coax cables  [ it's ur only real choice].   For the smaller cables, like 213-U, and LMR-400, the
> UHF QUALITY silver/teflon connectors are plenty good enough.  Type N for any size cable is a pita.  Odd ball connectors like C...and also
> LC connector's are going out of vogue. 
> 
> Later... Jim  VE7RF


Jim,

I havent used a silicone sealant in my connectors before but the Dow Corning silicone sounds like a good plan.  For outside connectors I wrap
 with Scotch 2228 self sealing  tape, then wrap with scotch 88 tape, then finally brush on Scotch Coat.  This has worked well for outside connectors,
taking the connectors apart later on they are always nice and shiny.  I will try the Dow Corning silicone before the tape treatment.
  One question though, can the connector be taken apart, cleaned up and reused after using the silicone ?  I normally wouldn't reuse the connectors 
but if they were new connectors it would be nice to be able to tie into the connector again, for instance adding on a longer section of coax.
 (I'm talking about the threaded connection, not taking them apart and resoldering)

Bob
K6UJ