[TowerTalk] Sealing coax connectors

[K8RI]

On 1/17/2012 11:13 AM, Bob K6UJ wrote:
> 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

I see this question often, but immediately think..."Why does it need to 
be clean to reuse it?"
It's the outside of the connector. Whether it's covered with tape, 
compound, or hot glue what difference does it make?    I have lengths of 
coax that have had their connectors weatherproofed time and time again, 
yet I never bother trying to clean them up unless it's something that 
will interfere with the next weatherproofing process.

I rarely reuse (take them off one piece of coax and reinstall on 
another)  connectors unless they are the big expensive ones used on the 
LMR-600. Remember that by the time you've connected and disconnected a 
UHF connector 40 or 50 times you've used a substantial portion of its 
rated life.

> 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)
As I said in the first paragraph, why worry about the stuff stuck on the 
outside if it doesn't prevent you from weatherproofing the connection again?
You can reuse it until the connector fails.

73

  Roger (K8RI)