[TowerTalk] Fwd: sealing PL259's

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

The UHF connectors are fine for HF, and you can put 10 of them in a row 
and still have negligible loss, BUT the UHF connectors are mechanically 
weak.  They depend on the shield/braid being securely soldered in and 
still the construction still allows linear motion.  They are also poor 
at keeping water out on either end as well as the the threads.  You can 
seal the threads, but that does little to keep water out of the 
connection at either end.

There seems to be a reluctance to use any material that sticks to, or 
leaves residue on the connectors.  This in no way detracts from reusing 
the connectors, so has no logical basis in the use of the connectors.

Coax seal, the various self vulcanizing tapes that adhere to the 
connectors add  strength to an otherwise mechanically weak connections.  
The flooded heat-shrink tubing (coated with hot melt glue on the inside 
adds the most strength to the connectors and it's rare to see one that 
leaks.

There is nothing wrong with going to the extra work to assure that no 
residue is left on the connectors other than the extra work that leaves 
a relatively weak connector water proofed, but still mechanically  
weak..  It's strictly an appearance issue.

As for N-type you are likely to have one of those develop a poor 
connection on a vertical run, ot exposed to movement from the wind or 
temperature extremes.  Ask Jim what he thinks about N-type connectors.  
I used to use a lot of them, but have replaced all used at HF with UHF 
connectors.

Other than water and being weak, the UHF connector suffers from poor 
soldering techniques with "the gob" on the center pin.

73

Roger (K8RI)

On 5/25/2015 9:49 PM, Hans Hammarquist via TowerTalk wrote:
> Maybe even better; the type of plumber dope they use to seal the threads.
>
>
> What I don't like with the PL-259 is the lack of springs to keep the connection good at the screen side. All other connectors have some type of spring that ensure a good connection such as BNC and N. You have to tighten the PL-259 "well" in order to keep a good contact and there are no insurance they will losen up over time.
>
>
> Hans - N2JFS
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kris Mraz <n5kilomike at gmail.com>
> To: towertalk <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Sent: Mon, May 25, 2015 6:19 pm
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] sealing PL259's
>
>
> What about plumber's Teflon tape?
>
> Kris
> N5KM
>
> -------------------------------------------------
> Jim K9YC said:
>
> On
> Mon,5/25/2015 4:45 AM, Marsh Stewart wrote:
>> Timely question. I've been
> wondering about how to waterproof the shell of a
>> PL259 to the flange of an
> SO239.
>
> I use Scotch Mastic tape, 2228.
>
> 73, Jim
> K9YC
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-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)


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