[TowerTalk] Me vs Squirrels - conclusion

[Steve Maki]

Gene,

The same procedure is used for ground kits: a layer of vinyl over the 
parts you may need to uncover in the future (the industry calls it a 
*courtesy wrap*), then as much butyl as needed to form a gradual taper 
(and put a gob under the ground wire where it leaves the shield), and a 
couple layers of 2" vinyl, and a couple layers of 3/4" vinyl. That will 
be bomb proof.

No one uses a *mastic pad*, but it can't hurt I guess.

-Steve K8LX

On 1/1/2017 14:45 PM, Gene Smar wrote:
> Grant:
>
>      Thanks for the info and especially for the link.  I now have it
> downloaded into my tower docs on my PC.  The Andrew process seems to be for
> symmetrical connections but not for the asymmetrical connection to a shield
> ground.  (There is probably a separate doc for that.)  That's why I used the
> mastic pad - it could be molded around the odd shapes that comprise the
> ground connector and hardware.  For my next shield ground (when I install
> the replacement cables on my tower), I'll use the Andrew doc and probably
> even the Andrew materials along with the mastic pads.  Thanks again and HNY.
>
> 73 de
> Gene Smar  AD3F
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Grant
> Saviers
> Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2017 9:58 AM
> To: Gene Smar <ersmar at verizon.net>; towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Me vs Squirrels - conclusion
>
> Gene,
>
> Your latest waterproofing idea is a close clone of the Andrew splicing
> process.
>
> one layer of 3/4" 33 or 88
>
> two layers of amalgamating sealant tape (more like butyl than silicone)
>
> one layer of 2" 33 equivalent,, the 2" is important to not squeeze out the
> sealant tape
>
> another 3 layers of 3/4" 33  (actually the kits contain 3M Temflex brand, a
> cheaper version of 33)
>
> (my tower guy then adds a heavy coat of acrylic clear spray)
>
> The Andrew kits are cheap (<$16 last bought) and have enough for materials
> for a dozen UHF splices.
>
> All comes off clean and is proven in commercial service.