[NLRS] [BC'ers] Coax to antenna feedpoints: an unbroken run or a rotor loop transition connection?

[Doug Reed]

I agree with the comments about rotor loops at the tower top. But I'd
also consider the total line loss versus added connector losses for
each junction when deciding what cable to use. Short runs it doesn't
matter much, for long runs you'll want the best cable you can afford.

My personal favorite for waterproofing coax connectors is the
self-fusing rubber splicing tape that is sold for sealing underground
electrical connections. I usually just use one or two layers of it
over the connector, following the directions, i.e. stretch to half
width and overlap each turn by half. Since it isn't UV resistant, I
usually cover it with a couple layers of black electrical tape, 3M
type 33 or 88 is best if you have it. I usually don't get more
complicated than that.

I have the sticky gooey sheets and gooey tape that is shipped with
hardline connectors, but I prefer to use the rubber splicing tape as
the first layer because it comes off and leaves the connectors
perfectly clean. Use the other stuff on top of the rubber tape if you
want to but I refuse to use the gooey stuff as the first layer on the
connectors because it makes a heck of a mess.

If you expect the coax to hang on the tower more than a few years,
DON'T use plain plastic zip ties to attach the cable to the tower.
Even the black zip ties get brittle with age and fail, often within 10
years. Possible options include a layer of black tape over the black
tie wraps, it might last longer. Otherwise, hose clamps, lengths of
12ga or 14ga solid copper wire, or stainless-steel zip ties (Harbor
Freight) should last longer. Commercial tower installations usually
have stainless steel clamps that go around the hardline and clip into
the cable race going up the side of the tower.

I've only used 9913 at home once, and found it in a roof-top packet
installation one time. In both cases it acted more like a garden hose
than like coax. I prefer to use a coax with a filled dielectric
center, not air dielectric. But that is just my opinion, YMMV....

73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.