[TowerTalk] Tex Com LMR-600 Connectors

[Steve Maki]

On 8/9/2013 11:24 PM, K8RI wrote:

> <snip>
>> Look, I purchase and use thousands of dollars of heat shrink a year to
>> satisfy customers.
>>
>> On my own station, I normally don't use it, unless to improve strain
>> relief when needed.
>>
>> Please consider the possibility that your opinion has not been informed
>> by proper training in other methods.
>
> I know I've not had "formal" training in any weather proofing, (zip,
> nada, none) but I have tried most, follow directions well, and never had
> a leaker except for the time the lightening blew off the weather
> proofing.  That was with the taping method, but any method would have
> been blown off. I assume you have had the same experience.  That we
> prefer different methods of weather proofing is hardly a reason to get
> upset. If you purchase thousands of dollars worth for customers it must
> be a legit method.
>
> However my days of taping connectors are over,  Reverse winding with
> sticky side out under tension is really difficult with one hand<:-)) and
> the tower climbing is now out as well.  Hence the new crank up LM470.
>
> I think about the inexperienced weather proofing connectors and figure,
> simpler is better.

I was the one who convinced AT&T to accept heat shrink in this region. 
Previously butyl and vinyl tape was the only accepted method, but it was 
a nightmare on panel antennas with closely spaced connectors.

However heat shrink is not fool proof either. Use a little too much heat 
at the edge of the shrink tube and you compromise the coax jacket. Use 
it up on the tower in high winds and it's difficult to apply *enough* 
heat. It takes some practice to get it right. So it's not a matter of 
simpler - it's a matter of choosing a method that works for your scenario.

I was really just commenting on your apparent belief that other methods 
are inherently not as good as heat shrink tube, which just isn't so.

-Steve K8LX