[TowerTalk] Coax Cable choices

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

When I used just tape, I never had a problem. "Theoretically" I can see 
it with a "single layer", but I always wound in one direction to the 
end, then continued back to where I started, giving a crossing layer 
with the adhesive filling any gaps.

Even a single layer of tightly wound tape with a 25% to 50% overlap 
should seal that area with adhesive leaving the exterior edge the only 
one not filled. There is no reason for that interior gap to not be 
filled when the tape is wound tightly. The interior edge should be 
visible as a change in the outer layer.

I'm not in a tropical area, but Michigan has a fair amount of rain with 
temps ranging from sub zero to well above 90 in a typical year.  In 
summer, ones side of a splice/connector with black tape can be too hot 
to touch (> 150F) while the other side may be less than 80 or 90F.  The 
hot temps aid the adhesive (on good tape) filling that edge gap.  With 
some cheap tape, getting hot leaves the adhesive slippery like grease.

In over 55 years as a ham, I've never seen water migration as he 
describes, except where the tape was not tightly wound with the proper 
overlap..

73, Roger (K8RI)


On 8/18/2017 Friday 2:28 PM, n0tt1 at juno.com wrote:
> Rich, just FYI...the latest QEX mag has an article about
> sealing coax connectors....very interesting.  It says, tape alone
> doesn't work to keep water out 'cuz water migrates along where
> tape overlaps.  That's with ALL tapes!
>
> Lots of other info there as well.
>
> Have fun operating on your island!
>
> 73,
> Charlie, N0TT
>
>> The station will be on a Caribbean island. Dilligent attempts will
>> be made to seal connections very well. I believe coax runs will be
>> above-ground. Some antennas will rotate.
>>
>> I realize this question may be too generic, but what might folks
>> here on Towertalk recommend for these applications?
>> Thanks and 73,
>> Rich, N6KT
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-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)


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