[TowerTalk] Control and Coax cable removal - UPDATE

[bemeier at bellsouth.net]

Thanks to all that responded to my request for suggestions as to how to free
up cables that I sealed inside PVC with the expandable spray foam.
Numerous suggestions were received and one of them rose to the top.  Use a
hacksaw blade around to cut the foam free from the PVC.   Unfortunately, I
don't remember who sent it - but THANKS.

 

What I did for the straight pipe (through the side of the house) was to use
the hacksaw blade (blade only) around the inside of the PVC / outside of the
cables to loosen the foam.   Once free, I could slide the PVC enough to cut
get to the foam sealed end of the PVC and start to cut pieces off with
Dremel cutoff tool.  Eventually, I had enough PVC removed to be able to move
the individual cables and free one up.  I pulled that one through.  The
second one was easier and on it went until I was able to remove all 8 extra
control cables.

 

The curved pipe (inside the house with a 45 degree fitting) was a bit
harder.  There I was able to slowly cut pieces off with the Dremel cutoff
tool.  There was enough lateral movement of the cables so I could keep them
away from the side that I was cutting.  After I removed the 45 degree
fitting and about 3" of straight pipe I was once again able to use the
hacksaw blade to free the cable bundle and then work on the individual
cables.  Same process as above - first one, then another, then all 8.  DONE!

 

The next part of the journey was to determine a new way to close up the gap
between the fewer cables and the PVC.   My wife, Laurie - N1YXU, and I
discussed several options and finally decided to use an end cap for 3" PVC.
I cut a 1.75 inch hole in the middle of the top cap and then cut it into 2
equal half sections.  I next installed a hinge on one side and a clasp on
the other side.  Before installing the cap I put a tie wrap around the
cables to hold them in a circle and packed the remaining hole with
insulation (easily removable) and then put on the end cap.  There was enough
of the 3" PVC sticking out so when the clasp was closed it fit tight around
the 3" PVC which eliminated the need to use any PVC cement.  To close the
small gap between the cable bundle and the inside of the 1.75" hole, I
wrapped a small .5 inch think piece packing foam around the cables.  With
the top cap in place it is well sealed!  

 

I have pictures, but they won't make it through this reflector.

 

Thanks to all who responded !!

 

73,

Bruce N1LN