[TowerTalk] weatherproofing connectors visited.

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

I agree with Grant on PTFE.  At work IIRC we had a glue and an epoxy 
that would stick to Teflon. OTOH , why spend $17 and a LOT more 
effort/work to weatherproof a PL259, or N connector, when "most" good 
old home remedies work?  Often one or two layers of 66 or 88 tape will 
be sufficient.  I learned long ago to cut the tape rather than pulling 
it apart.  Remember how difficult it can be to lift a cut end off a roll 
of tape?  The same holds true for wraps on connectors.  Yes, I know 
there are those who say water always leaks in along the tap edges, but 
in over 56 years, I've never seen it. I realize I'm only one out of 
hundreds of thousands, but if it works for me, why not others.

NOTE: Whether the sealant "sticks" to the connectors is far less 
important than preventing water from getting into, or under the wrap.  
IF the ends are properly sealed, water can't get under the whole mess.

Get hams to spend $17 to weatherproof a connector when they reuse $3.00, 
PL259s?  Ain't gonna happen!  Many, if not most use the cheap imported 
PL259s, rather than Amphenol, or the good imports to save a buck, or 50 
cents.   It costs me about a dollar for a weatherproofing method that 
has never failed me. I see no reason to change.  If I used coax larger 
than LMR600, then I'd consider a different method.  OTOH ham radio is 
about developing alternative methods and modes. Why not experiment?  
Generally we have little to lose and much to gain.

Warming the connectors before sealing is very helpful.

When it comes to lightning, nothing will offer 100% protection.

Don't forget corona. It's probably more common than lightning damage, 
goes unnoticed and can melt tape, coax jackets, remove plating on 
connectors, and leave brass connectors looking like they were sand 
blasted.  It also can cause copper to turn black.

73,

Roger (K8RI)

On 10/8/2017 Sunday 3:04 PM, Grant Saviers wrote:
> 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)
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk


-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)


---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus