On 5/18/2013 11:51 AM, K7LXC@aol.com wrote:
Products like coax seal are worth using liberally wherever it can be
applied if needed.
Just make sure you never have to take it off. It's the WORST stuff in
the world to get off of anything. You put in on a connector - you have to
throw the connector away.
Why? There is absolutely nothing electrically or mechanically wrong
with a connector just because it has coax seal on it.
I use Flooded Heat Shrink tubing. The heavy 3M stuff the electrical
contractors use. It's lined with Hot melt glue so when it's, it's
really sealed. Getting it off, is not difficult., You cut it down one
side with a box cutter, pry up a corner and pull. Use a pair of pliers.
It, like coax seal may leave residue behind. Hot glue in this case,
rather than pieces of coax seal. I ask again, so what?
Sure it looks crappy, but the connector underneath is clean and shiny.
It can be used again as if it were new and when a new coating of coax
seal or heat shrink is put in place it is as good as it was the first
time and at this point looks no different.
The only problem is the connector may be "sticky, so either put it in a
baggie, plastic package or just don't drop it in the dirt.
BTW I think Mineral spirits will clean coax seal off.
Even connectors wrapped with tape get sticky.
Now you could resort to a layer of tape wrong side out, but unless done
well can be a source of leaks. Yah, I know many swear by it because it
leaves the connector shiny. You can also wrap the connection with one or
two layers of Saran wrap which really seals when covered with
"stretched" tape wound past its ends, but these are extra steps that
serve a only as a cosmetic. I'm a firm believer of the KISS approach
which is the most durable, simple, and effective.
Then I wonder why the obsession with reusing connectors. Most hams use
a $3.00 PL259 if they are consciousnesses. Well, no, most use the cheap
stuff found at swaps instead of buying the "good stuff". That gob of
solder on the center connectors has ruined more female connectors than
just about any thing else.
I realize there are many hams for whom purchasing a dozen PL259s is hard
on the budget. I know many and was there once .. no, several times
myself, and I would have gladly used connectors with a little coax seal
on them because it doesn't hurt anything except it lets others know you
are using a <gasp> used connector.
Many of us gladly use, used connectors on large coax where new ones are
over a $100.
But why care if some coax seal (Electrical putty) is stuck on the
outside of a connector? It feels icky? Just don't drop it in the dirt.
<:-))
End of Rant.<:-))
73
Roger (K8RI)
Much better butyl rubber for this is just about anything else; e.g. db
Products vapor wrap, the plumbing stuff you buy at the hardware store.
etc.
If you put a layer of electrical tape down first and then put the Coax
Seal over it, you can actually get the CS off. Otherwise use it at your
own risk. Your mileage won't vary.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH
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