On Fri, 6 Jul 2007 18:36:35 -0400, "NotMe" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>"Jeff Liebermann"
>|
>| For outdoor waterproofing, be sure to get some 1" wide PTFE plumbing
>| tape. Wrap everything in the teflon tape to keep out the water and
>| prevent capillary action from sucking in water. Then embalm the
>| teflon tape with Scotch 66 electrical tape. One nice thing about this
>| method is that the connector looks like new when the wrap is removed.
>I've always (30 years+) used shrink tubing and silicon compound. this off
>shore in heavy salt spary on oil rigs. When necessary to removed simply
>score with a box knife and heat with a propane torch and the protective
>'stuff' comes right off' The task can be done one handed as I've done the
>deed high up on oil rigs.
That's just as good, if not better, for waterproofing. I found out
the hard way that the problem is not to shed water, but to prevent
capillary action from sucking the water into the connector. Just
shrink tube or tape over a connector is not good enough, especially if
the connector is knurled. The silicon grease and PTFE tape both act
as a conformal water seal while the tape or shrink tube simply holds
the seal in place. The interface is air tight, so there's no danger
of capillary action.
I don't have 30 years experience with using the PTFE method. I
invented it about 10 years ago and have used it in perhaps 15
installations. (I don't do tower work any more). None are in a salt
spray environment.
Most of the "professional" installs I run into use 3M cold shrink,
which is rather expensive, stiff, and difficult to remove. Some have
a sticky interior. The worst installs use rubber sealing putty, which
waterproofs well, but also cracks when exposed to sunlight, and makes
a huge mess when removed.
I hadn't thought of scoring and heating to remove the shrink tube.
Great idea. Thanks.
--
# Jeff Liebermann 150 Felker St #D Santa Cruz CA 95060
# 831-336-2558
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http://802.11junk.com (E-Mail Removed)
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http://www.LearnByDestroying.com AE6KS