[TowerTalk] weatherproofing connectors visited.

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

One of the favorites (although I don't know by what percent) was 
wrapping the first layer with the sticky side out. It does leave the 
connectors nice and clean. OTOH there was a complaint about the hot melt 
glue from flooded heat shrink not adhering.  IOW, to diametrically 
opposed approaches.

The answer for the hot melt glue not adhering is simple foreign 
material.  A fingerprint, lube used to flood connectors, or just plain 
skin oil/sweat will prevent hot melt glue, or tape from forming a good 
mechanical connection. This is a place where cleanliness is important.

For good adhesion whether tape or hot melt glue, the connectors and coax 
must be clean. The tape and/or the hot melt glue must adhere with no voids

One thing with either hot melt glue, or tape. If it has food adhesion to 
both the metal and the coax they both add strength. "Typically" as most 
hams install UHF connectors they are relatively weak.  When the hot 
shrink tube is installed over the connectors and out onto the coax 
jacket of most RG8 type coax, the connection will support my 170# plus 
gear. IOW, about 200#.  I've had taped connections fail that test.  When 
the inner layer is wound sticky side out the only additional strength 
has to come from the exterior wrap that extends onto the coax jacket on 
both sides

One additional comment about flooded coax connectors. Forget trying to 
clean and solder. Just use crimp connectors.

-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)


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