[TowerTalk] [Bulk] Re: SteppIR

[Patrick Greenlee]

I haven't seen one of the "pipe bombs" but the improved method, i.e. the 
rectangular box looks like a step in the right direction, toward good 
maintainability.  Unfortunately the penetrations for the cables to 
enter/leave the box certainly do not look water tight. Too bad they came 
so far in the right direction and then stopped short of what to me seems 
obvious. Even tight fitting rubber grommets held captive by form fit 
molding of the box would be way better.  If the box is not "theirs" but 
instead is COTS then watertight bulkhead compression fittings could be 
added on by drilling holes to accept them. If there is clearance then 
the Watertight fitting could be retrofitted by a DIY guy and the 
original holes plugged with silicone caulk or...

Too bad the picture doesn't show all the gasketed lid as there may be 
something to seal the holes like low density foam gasket material or...

Patrick    NJ5G

On 3/1/2015 9:05 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>
> On 2015-03-01 5:40 AM, Ian White wrote:
>> Another major failing is the tacky method of connecting the 13 drive
>> wires for the stepper motors - a 10-cent screw terminal block inside
>> a short length of plastic pipe. This summer's job is to install a
>> waterproof plastic box with a waterproof multipole connector, and I
>> would recommend new owners to do that on Day 1.
>
> SteppIR now offer an optional "connector box" ... here's what they
> say:
>
>>> OPTIONAL Connector Junction Box: Replaces the standard cylindrical
>>> plastic housing; The standard antenna comes with a cylindrical
>>> plastic housing (affectionately referred to by many as the “pipe
>>> bomb”, due to its looks) with plastic caps on each end.  The
>>> control cable wires are connected to terminal strips, which are
>>> then placed into the plastic housing.  The connector junction box
>>> is a hinged enclosure that has female terminal headers mounted
>>> inside.  The control cable and EHU cables are then connected to a
>>> male terminal plug, creating a pluggable/unpluggable connection for
>>> the antenna wiring.  The connector junction box also includes a 25
>>> pin female dsub mounted inside, for testing the antenna at the
>>> point of installation.  Highly recommended!
>
> Picture:
> http://www.steppir.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DB42-junction-box.jpg
>
> It is relatively pricey and obviously not for everyone but makes a much
> neater and easy to maintain/troubleshoot installation.
>
> 73,
>
>   ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
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