[AMRadio] coax lead in

[Rick]

Thanks, Don. I agree the coaxial cables should be fine as far as moisture. I
am also concerned about the rotor cable. I'm sure it's as weather proof as
possible since it is designed for outdoor use. I'm not sure how it will hold
up if it lies in moisture for any length of time. I appreciate the great
tips on sealing the ends. I found a rubber cap today at Lowe's I think I can
cut a slit or slits in then seal if necessary. It's a short run and I plan
to use 3" PVC so everything should be easily replaceable if necessary. If I
can keep critters out it will likely last as long as I will.

Thanks again...
Rick/K5IAR

________________________________________
From: amradio-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:amradio-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of D. Chester
Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2011 1:08 PM
To: amradio at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [AMRadio] coax lead in

I agree that you will get moisture in the conduit no matter what, due to
condensation, and that if you use direct-burial coax that shouldn't matter
since the soil periodically becomes saturated with water anyway.  Critters
chewing on the plastic jacket has been my problem, even with the direct
burial  stuff.  The PVC pipe should keep them at bay.

Instead of regular steel wool for plugging the ends, try some of the stuff
made for scrubbing out saucepans, which is like coarse steel wool, but made
of brass or some other alloy that doesn't rust.  Another suggestion is to
mix regular steel wool with spray-on foam like Great Stuff.  The foam
contains the steel fibres, which still  repels the rodents from further
chewing once they take a bite, but embedded into the plastic foam, water
cannot get to the steel wool.

My solution to critters chewing on the coax was to abandon the buried line
altogether, and  replace it with an above-ground run supported by tee-posts
and a messenger wire made from #10 high-tensile steel fence wire.


Don k4kyv