Sealent for coax ends..

[Splash1]

had to use a double male connecter to hook up a rf choke at the antenna feed of a imax..is this ok or will it need a sealent..if so would a spray stop leak type of thing do ?

 

[Cajun Invader]

I use this stuff. Coax Seal, coax sealant

 

[Marconi]

had to use a double male connecter to hook up a rf choke at the antenna feed of a imax..is this ok or will it need a sealent..if so would a spray stop leak type of thing do ?

You guys check out pp 112 in the AES catalog for Cross Device STUF: http://www.aesham.com/pdf/pages107-114.pdf

It is not cheap, but it goes a long way. Just apply a dab of Stuf inside your coax connector, screw it together, and Stuff will prevent water from passing thru the connector into your coax. It does not get hard and doesn't wash out of leach away even if water can get into the coax fitting itself from above. This can be a problem with bulkhead fittings that leak, or when using an antenna that has a feed point that is exposed to water getting into the coax from inside the antenna like the A99 and Imax, or in a coupling idea like Splash mentions.

Several of the 11 meter antennas are real prone to leak water bad, and it gets inside the base and has to drain out somewhere or you have matching or feed line problems. The Starduster, the old HyGain CLR, the Penetrator types that feed up thru the mast or up into the center of a mount---are all suspects for water problems with your feed line.

Even a SO239's that is sitting exposed from the top with a small jumper wire protuding out the fitting like on the Maco V58 can leak water into the coax fitting below. For water your coax acts just like a straw when water can get to the smallest of openings.

You also want to be careful and not seal up the drip hole in the bottom of the A99 or the IMAX 2000 with any coax seal. Look up inside the feed point and you will see a small hole next to the fitting.

 

[Cajun Invader]

You guys check out pp 112 in the AES catalog for Cross Device STUF: http://www.aesham.com/pdf/pages107-114.pdf

Great link. At first I thought you meant STFU so I had to check again.

You also want to be careful and not seal up the drip hole in the bottom of the A99 or the IMAX 2000 with any coax seal. Look up inside the feed point and you will see a small hole next to the fitting.

I never noticed that hole before. I did however notice that my SWR was higher than normal after installing a loner A99. It was fine when I put it up and after a few days the SWR raised tremendously. I just went and pulled it down. Yep, I clogged the hole with coax sealant. Water poured out.

 

[Splash1]

i went to home depot then lowes then radio shack in search of some kinda antenna dope n all i ended up with is this stuff called '' ideal duct seal.''...its a putty type substance ment for electric cables going through walls..i guess this stuff never drys hard iegther..anyone know this stuff ?

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

I used to use a good quality electrical tape like Scotch 88 and then cover it with silicone sealant. Using the tape first make removal MUCH easier. Now I just use the Scotch 88 and follow it up with some self amalgamating rubber tape. This stuff will stretch a little bit and will form a solid rubber mass when it cures.No mess,no fuss and lasts years and years.

 

[Moleculo]

I just use black RTV hi-temp Silicone. Works great. Cleans up easy when you want it off. Get it at any auto parts store.

 

[Splash1]

Moleculo..finaly got fed up with the mfj balun becauce couldnt get it sealed up to my satisfaction and just wound a rf choke outta coax..im much happier now ..

 

[Mudfoot]

Another very good product and alternative to Cross Device's "Stuf" is Dow Corning DC-4 Compound.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/dc4.php