[TowerTalk] COAX SEAL

[Steve Maki]

You may have a different definition of "pro" that others do. Is it just 
the broadcast industry that utilizes "pros"? That's another subject for 
discussion.

It's true that modern connectors are theoretically weatherproof, and I 
do not weatherproof the many 7/16 DIN connectors on my own ham station, 
whether they are on Heliax or 3/8" RG8 stuff.

But in my (dare I say it?) professional work, our customers (AT&T, 
Verizon, T-Mobile, etc) require it. Until recently it was always 
tape-butyl-tape. Nowadays it's custom rubber boots...but still, it's 
external weatherproofing.

-Steve K8LX

On 03/10/24 7:04 AM, Rob Atkinson wrote:
>> I'm pretty certain that the pros use butyl mastic
> The "pros" don't use anything because they don't use UHF connectors.
> They are working with Heliax, waveguide, or ridgid line and the lines
> are often pressurized.  Connectors made for those kinds of lines don't
> require all these wild methods involving tar, and tape and do more
> harm than good by sealing in moisture.stevek at jmr.com  is correct.
> The ideal method is nothing.  If you have a feedline run laying on or
> under the ground that's subject to flooding, then elevate the
> connections.  I'd want to do that anyway to make it easier to
> troubleshoot.  I tried all the tape, tar, grease, and so on a few
> times early on and realized it was heading in the wrong direction.
>
>
> 73
> Rob
> K5UJ
>
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