If I KNOW that the splice will be there for several years I use shrink
tubing over it with about 2" to spare at both ends. Then wrap the ends with
nothing but Scotch 33/88 with the wraps in the "shingle" configuration.
If it will be there forever there is a shrink tubing that includes a
flooding compound. You need a heat gun to do it right; the wifes hair dryer
works fine. There are also some brands that seal by air exposure. Check with
your local CATV company or satellite dish installers to see what they use.
Carl
KM1H
----- Original Message -----
From: <K7LXC@aol.com>
To: <wwdxc@yahoogroups.com>; <denneny@comcast.net>; <k7cw@yahoo.com>;
<towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2007 7:13 AM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] [wwdxc] RG213 Woes
>
> In a message dated 7/19/2007 1:06:42 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> wwdxc@yahoogroups.com writes:
>
> > I forgot to mention, also, that the use of barrel
> connectors is discouraged, particularly in outdoor
> runs. Somehow corrosion always seems to occur in these
> connectors, causing the swr (and losses) to rise.
>
> I think the gist of this thread is weatherproofing. I've installed
> dozens (hundreds?) of barrel connector and other coax joints over the
> years
> and don't know of any that've failed. Most amateurs make one or more
> mistakes
> when weatherproofing coax joints.
>
> First, use 3M 33 or 88 tape. The 3 for a buck stuff from the
> hardware store won't cut it.
>
> Next, use 2 pairs of pliers to seat the connectors to the barrel
> connector. I'm not talking about deforming the PL259 - it's just that
> finger
> tight is not enough.
>
> Wrap 2-3 wraps of tape over the joint. Use a 50% overlap. Apply
> vapor wrap (butyl rubber - there are a number of variations) over the
> joint. Wrap
> 2 more layers of tape over the vapor wrap. If the coax runs vertically,
> the
> last wrap should go up. That'll make the water run off like shingles on a
> roof. Wrapped the other way and you've got a perfect duct for the water
> to get
> into the connection.
>
> Jim, you said you used these materials but maybe there was a step
> you missed or something. Following the above scenario will give you a
> bombproof
> joint. Even leaving off the vapor wrap will still result in a reliable
> weatherproof connection. Some commercial installers spray the finished
> joint with
> clear Krylon spray paint which is more belt-and-suspenders approach.
> ScotchKote has been used in the past but it's really for buried
> connections and will
> dry up and flake off when used in an outdoor application like this.
>
> Cheers & GL,
> Steve K7LXC
> TOWER TECH -
> Professional tower services for hams
> Cell: 206-890-4188
>
>
>
>
>
>
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