[TowerTalk] weatherproofing connectors visited.

[Grant Saviers]

Not much sticks to TFE.

The Andrews/Heliax waterproofing  kits are the best IMO.  The sticky 
sealant tape may be tight enough to prevent wicking on TFE coax, 
especially if the 2" wide electrical tape is used to compress it as per 
instructions.  It works great on Heliax and DIN connectors so it 
conforms well.

http://www.commscope.com/catalog/doc/pdf/2004/Weatherproofing_Kit_for_Connectors_and_Antennas.pdf

Another advice from Andrew, preheat the connectors prior to placing the 
adhesive lined heat shrink.  Particularly important on big Heliax 
connectors but I do it on PL259's and the adhesive really sticks then to 
the body.

Rather than invent marginal waterproofing, why not use what is proven in 
many thousands of commercial installations?  Last I bought the kits were 
about $17 and will do a dozen UHF connections.  on ebay for $12 - $20.

Grant KZ1W

On 10/8/2017 11:18 AM, john at kk9a.com wrote:
> I have not tried hot glue however I have trouble with other waterproofing
> products that I use sticking to Teflon coax and I do not have grease or oily
> finger prints on it.
>
> John KK9A
>
>
> To:	"towertalk at contesting.com" <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Subject:	[TowerTalk] weatherproofing connectors visited.
> From:	"Roger (K8RI) on TT" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk at tm.net>
> Date:	Sun, 8 Oct 2017 02:39:48 -0400
> List-post:	<mailto:towertalk at contesting.com>
>
> 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
>
>
> --
>
> 73
>
> Roger (K8RI)
>
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