What Is The Best Coax For A GMRS Base Station?

[prcguy]

Did you put down a layer of electrical tape first under the tar stuff like mmckenna mentioned, like Scotch 33+? You must do this then follow up with a top layer of approved tape for the outer covering and the connection will outlive you. There is a reason for all these layers, it simply works and if you didn't do it all then it doesn't work and moisture will get in. And it will be messy getting to the now corroded connector in the future.

On waterproofing connectors: I once used that tar-like tape, wrapped it around a good length and thoroughly smoothed it out with my fingers. After a few years when I had the need to remove the connector I found out it had gotten a lot more corroded than unprotected connectors--as though the tape inhibited the escape of moisture (condensation). Hopefully there's a better way out there somewhere than that tarry tape...

 

[mmckenna]

On waterproofing connectors: I once used that tar-like tape, wrapped it around a good length and thoroughly smoothed it out with my fingers. After a few years when I had the need to remove the connector I found out it had gotten a lot more corroded than unprotected connectors--as though the tape inhibited the escape of moisture (condensation). Hopefully there's a better way out there somewhere than that tarry tape...

Yeah, that's not the proper procedure. Cellular and LMR installers have been using this method for decades now, and if it's done correctly, as I listed out above, corrosion is not an issue.

Unfortunately the amateur radio community often won't put the effort or research in to doing the waterproofing correctly, and run into the exact sort of issues you experienced.

I've heard everything from "Don't seal it and that'll let any water drain out naturally" to "A wrap of electrical tape is good enough". Those approaches are fine if it's a hobby and reliability doesn't matter. ("When all else fails"?)

 

[SigIntel8600]

I have had great results with 50 feet of Times Microwave LMR-400 cable into a Comet CA-712EFC antenna. My LMR-400 cable goes directly into a Diamond SX-400 SWR/Power meter with a small jumper to my GMRS radio. My SWR on high power approx. 46 watts is 1.1 - 1.2 across the GMRS band. I used a Company called the Antenna Farm. No complaints.

 

[WB9YBM]

Did you put down a layer of electrical tape first under the tar stuff like mmckenna mentioned, like Scotch 33+? You must do this then follow up with a top layer of approved tape for the outer covering and the connection will outlive you. There is a reason for all these layers, it simply works and if you didn't do it all then it doesn't work and moisture will get in. And it will be messy getting to the now corroded connector in the future.

I don't weatherproof; even after fifteen years, my connections have been corrosion free. (I guess I must be doing something right--or just got lucky.)

 

[mmckenna]

Never confuse luck with skill.