On 2013-02-06, at 8:32 AM, Tom W8JI wrote:
>
> As a standard practice, and from field experience, we flooded the center of
> the connector with clear silicon dielectric compound. A suitable material is
> readily available at almost any auto parts store as "Dielectric Tune Up
> Grease" in a silver squeeze tube.
>
Standard practice with some cable TV systems here in Ontario is to use
Vaseline-brand petroleum jelly as an aid against water intrusion & corrosion...
Here, with my "L's", I use ordinary PL-259 / SO-239 coax connectors at each
base: I apply Vaseline to the prongs of the PL-259's, and swab a bit onto the
threads of the SO-239's , before mating them. I then apply a VERY generous coat
of Silicone !! sealant all over the pair, well beyond the end of the connector
& on up the coax cable...
Come Spring, when it's time to stow the antenna, I simply get an X-acto knife,
make a longitudinal cut into the silicone (being careful not to cut TOO deep),
then peel off the silicone...
I've done this for some 6 years now, with nary a problem with water
intrusion---and the connectors come apart just as easily as the day that I
Vaselined them...
Call the technique "red-necked", or "hillbilly", it works for me---and it uses
cheap, readily-available, material...
~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ
_________________
Topband Reflector
|