[Elecraft] Waterproof SO-239 covers

[Jim Brown]

On 7/16/2020 10:46 AM, Mike Harris via Elecraft wrote:
> I must say that over many years and without any ill effect I've never 
> bought into this idea of Gorilering up a PL259 with pliers beyond finger 
> tight. A quarter of a turn is an unbelievable suggestion. I've just 
> tried it and a couple of degrees is the best I could do without being 
> brutal and even then I don't thing it would go any further.
> 
> Urban myth maybe?

No, misunderstanding/poor way of describing the problem. For good RF 
contact, the entire circumference of male and female connector must make 
solid and continuous contact. This can only happen if the teeth in the 
male connector fit within the corresponding gaps in the female 
connector. If that has been accomplished, wrench-tight may be less than 
a quarter turn, but it also depends on how strong your fingers are, and 
whether you are able to get a good grip on the connector. For example, I 
need more than a quarter turn with pliers in my fairly dense entry panel 
in the wall under my operating desk. And if the teeth are not properly 
mated, it's common to get more than a quarter turn when using the wrench.
> 
> Also, I've never had a failure after simply applying a generous wrap of 
> self amalgamating tape, nothing else, to waterproof coax connectors. Our 
> UV environment is pretty powerful, clear skies and sunshine can turn the 
> skin on my head into huge dandruff seven days later after 30 minutes 
> exposure.

That depends entirely on the particular tape you've chosen. Some are 
more UV resistant than others.

73, Jim K9YC