[Antennas] Protecting Outdoor Connections

[John Hensley]

I work with off-shore cables that are used in towed sonar arrays as well asexposed GPS mast installations subject to salt water spray and heavy sun.
I have not found a better method than this working with both 75 ohm and 50 ohm cables:

1.  Use Bury-Flex Coax 
2.  Assemble the connections dry with Amphenol or Times (LMR) fittings using lead-free solder where specified
3.  Then fit the connection in a 3M mold after wiping the fittings and coaxto remove finger prints or oils; pour it with 3M Scotch Cast resin and letdry.  Trim off the mold flues the next day and enjoy.
For a permanent outdoor connection, splice the coax and then poura cover with 3M resin.  This will last as long as the coax.  3M resin is availablein 7.5 oz and 3 oz kits costing about $21 and $11 respectively, or less.
John W5JV