[TowerTalk] Long Term Connector Reliability Re: TowerTalk Digest, Vol 235, Issue 22

[Steve Davis | Davis RF]

  The key to maximum efficiency, and life, of any connector is to well insulate it from the elements.  It must resist moisture ingress.   Whatever your favorite insulation, wrap over the connector,  and  on to the cable and/or  adjoining connector interface, so as to prohibit any ability for moisture to work its way into the connector.   Adhesive lined heat shrink, if UV resistant, is another good wrap to use.

Be sure that the wrap is UV resistant, if in doubt,  use UV resistant electrical tape (Scotch 33, etc) .

As a further backup, use silver plated connector body and pin, in case all else fails.

Using silicone electrical grease should not be necessary if all is sealed properly. But it won’t hurt either, as long as it is the non-conductive type.  Many think that silicone electrical grease is conductive, not the case.     Using anything else like Vaseline or other lubricating grease is a no-no.

Hope this help,  Steve Davis, K1PEK
   DavisRF.com                   DavisRopeAndCable.com


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