Weatherproofing Antenna Connections

[jrs71]

Just wondering what you have found to be the most durable method of moisture-proofing your antenna to coax connection. I currently have a Scantenna and RG-6 coax and used a rubber boot with electrical tape wrapped around both ends of the boot. Adequate for the 6 months it's been up but I don't have much faith in it long term.

Thanks,
Randy

 

[RevGary]

if you will not be removing that connector very often, one thing to use on the connection is a product called "Red Insullating Varnish" from GC Electronics, - although there are several other possibilities on this page for you...

http://www.action-electronics.com/gcelect.htm#Chemicals

Just 'paint' the entire cable - connector and boot area with this product and don't worry about moisture infiltration. You CAN break the connector loose with two sets of pliers if you have to take it apart, but reapply a new layer afterward when you put the connection back together. 'Black tape' traps moisture underneath and should NOT be used.

 

[Raccon]

Plastic / electrical tape (e.g. Scotch 3M 88T) and self-fusing rubber mastic tape (e.g. Scotch 3M 2228) will do the job:
Cover the connection with plastic tape first, then wrap it with the rubber mastic tape and finally 2 layers of plastic tape again (both layers wrapped from one piece).
Ensure that every new layer of tape extends a bit over the previous one and that the whole weatherproofing covers an inch or two of the cable

Naturally you need to replace the tapes whenever you want to open the connection.

 

[bsmotril]

There is a product you can buy called Coax Seal. It is a maleable strip of rubber
(like thick fusion tape), that bonds to itself. It is wrapped around a connection, pressed together, and will form a water tight connection. It is easy to remove years down the road too. Good stuff, available at any good ham radio dealer, and on line

 

[specman]

There is a product you can buy called Coax Seal. It is a maleable strip of rubber
(like thick fusion tape), that bonds to itself. It is wrapped around a connection, pressed together, and will form a water tight connection. It is easy to remove years down the road too. Good stuff, available at any good ham radio dealer, and on line

I think Radio Shack has started selling it too... at least it's on their web site.

 

[kb2vxa]

TOMMY TAPE available at your local marine or automotive specialty shop, fuses to itself in 24 hours, practically indestructable and comes off clean if you ever need to remove it.