Protection Tip
 

I have just dismantled the base connectors from a vertical antenna which has
been exposed to the elements for the last eleven years. The PL259 connectors
were protected using self amalgamating rubber tape covered with a double
layer of good quality black insulating tape.

The connector and all other parts covered with the self amalgamating tape
were all like new when the joint was cut open, with no signs of corrosion or
moisture penetration.

External nuts and bolts were originally given a light covering of
vaseline/petroleum jelly and although slightly corroded, all turned freely.

The system has been repositioned and reassembled using the same methods and
works as good as new. I look forward to at least another another eleven
years of trouble free operating.

The tape I used was originally purchased from Tandy when they were closing
their UK branches (Radio Shack in the USA) but similar quality tape is
widely available from Maplin in the UK and other specialist electrical
outlets.

Incidently, this antenna has survived a direct lightning strike. Fortunately
the earthing and lightning protection arrangements ensured the equipment was
undamaged. However all the breakers in the consumer unit (fuse box) tripped
with the EMP. Then every battery backed up alarm in the house went off
simultaneously, fire/smoke alarms, burglar alarm, mains failure warning,
radio alarms - it was bedlam for about 10 minutes.

Just goes to show a few pounds spent on prevention is a lot better than
having to buy a new antenna, or a new house.

Mike G0ULI

Protection Tip
 

"Mike Kaliski" wrote in message
...
I have just dismantled the base connectors from a vertical antenna which
has
been exposed to the elements for the last eleven years. The PL259
connectors
were protected using self amalgamating rubber tape covered with a double
layer of good quality black insulating tape.

The connector and all other parts covered with the self amalgamating tape
were all like new when the joint was cut open, with no signs of corrosion
or
moisture penetration.

External nuts and bolts were originally given a light covering of
vaseline/petroleum jelly and although slightly corroded, all turned
freely.

The system has been repositioned and reassembled using the same methods
and
works as good as new. I look forward to at least another another eleven
years of trouble free operating.

The tape I used was originally purchased from Tandy when they were closing
their UK branches (Radio Shack in the USA) but similar quality tape is
widely available from Maplin in the UK and other specialist electrical
outlets.

I've done the same thing, but with products more available to me. (Picked up
at Lowes or Home Depot).
3m makes a tape called "Scotchfil" which is self-amalgamating and very
waterproof, and is putty-like to conform to any shape,
and a weatherproof black vinyl electrical tape - 3M #88 which is great for
covering the scotchfil.
Then you can go one step farther by using "ScotchKote" which is like an
electrical varnish, to coat the plastic tape.
Vaseline on the bolts is a good idea, I had just squirted them with WD-40 or
CRC's equivalent.
I also use scotchkote to coat loading coils and exposed wire connections to
protect them from the elements..

Qui se'resemble, s'assemble. Dem dat resemble, assemble, Birds of a feather
.... etc.