[Lowfer] Watertight Coax

[Bill Ashlock]

Peter,

> >This reminds me I need to seal the F-connector at the antenna
> > with RTV tonight or I may end up with another disaster.

>To help fight the water-in-the-line thing, I prearrange for some
>enclosed means for attaching the F-plugged coax in an outdoor antenna.
>By this I mean the connector is NOT facing any water dripping on it as
>it's below or inside a drip shield. Just a thought.

Yeah, this was one of those 'quick experiments' that lasted two months! I'm 
pretty sure the water dripped down the vertical portion of the wire antenna 
past the toroid core (exposed), down to the rear of this 'F' chassis-type 
connector. I knew at the time that it wouldn't work, long-term, but you know 
....... easy to forget if the antenna works.

I'm surprised the first 100ft of coax is in good shape. The water must have 
flowed right through and dried out.

>For me RTV or taping is too problematic in freezing weather and likely
>has to be done w/ bare hands.

I'll buy the problem with tape. Seems to be lousy for keeping out moisture. 
Not sure why. The RTV seems to work for me in most cases. I've heard there 
is some special putty designed for this application. Have you seen this?

Thanks for the thoughts. I'm about to see if I can pull up the remaining 
coax through the snow, as it rained all day.

Bill

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