This guide is to assist with a cheap, effective means for hardening comms wiring and antenna connections against the elements.
Very few coaxial connectors are waterproof, or even water-resistant. The shielding in most coaxial cables is comprised of a thin wire braiding leading towards a tendancy to absorb water through capillary action. Exposure to moisture/humidity/etc can degrade or compromise the effective functioning of your comms-equipment through water infiltration.
For this procedure you will need the following:
1) Antenna
2) Coaxial Cable
3) Scissors/Knife
4) 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape
5) Scotch Super 33+ Electrical Tape
6) Dielectric Grease
* A note on the products listed above:
The Temflex is a malleable rubber that seals against moisture. Think of it like a ranger-band on a roll that is self-adhering, but won't stick to anything else. The Temflex is NOT UV-resistant, thus we will need to apply an overwrap with the PVC-backed Super 33+.
Both the Temflex and Super 33+ are rated for indoor/outdoor usage.
Begin by adding dielectric grease to coaxial terminal connection PL/SO (Plug / Socket). The dielectric grease will resist corrosion of the mating surfaces, as well as act as a moisture/water-repellent. Once the dielectric grease is applied, tighten the connection between the PL/SO.
At this time, you will definitely want to verify the connection is secure, and the antenna/coax are both functioning.
Assemble the antenna/coax and attach to your radio. Test for functioning. Do this BEFORE you begin the wrap, as everything from this point forward will be a waste of time if the connection isn't secure or your equipment isn't operational.
To begin the sealing, remove a section of the Temflex at an estimated length needed to fully wrap the terminal connections. It isn't critical to be exact, as, due to the Temflex's self-adhering properties, a secondary wrap will bond with the original.
Start the wrap 1"-2" on the lower section of the cable. When wrapping, you will want to move "uphill" or bottom-up, towards the antenna. This creates a shingle-effect, assisting in hydrophobic effect we are looking for.
You will notice that by stretching the Temflex, a tighter seal is maintained while wrapping. Try to overlap the previous wrap by about 50%.
Once the wrap extends 1"-2" past the antenna terminal, you can call it "good".
You will want to follow the same procedure for the electrical tape, extending an inch or two beyond the previously wrapped Temflex portions.
At this point, you now have a hydrophobic connection between your extension cord and your antenna. With the Super 33+, your moisture barrier is now protected from UV radiation.
Keep in mind, this process is intended to create a secure connection. For my personal comms, I am running a layer of Temflex, as well as the Super 33+, along the entire length of the extension cable, and overlapping past the antenna base.
It really is a subjective choice on how far you want to go to protect/harden your kit. I, personally have a tendency to over-build any system I have that is non-redundant. In my particular usage, the extension cable is further protected with a plastic shield, and covered with heat shrink as a measure against abrasive damage, if intended for permanent outdoor, or mobile, installations.
YMMV.
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