If you have an external antenna that is located out in the elements, it is very important to seal every connector or potential entry point for water.
Most radio shacks will carry two types of connector tapes. With some hunting, or online ordering, you can find other types of very effective tapes.
Tape |
Description |
UV Stable? |
Self-fuses to create a tight, permanent bond. Convenient alternative to heat-shrink tubing and tape -- faster and easier to use. High dielectric strength |
no |
|
Locks out moisture and stays flexible. 5-foot roll. |
? |
|
Scotch 130C |
Linerless Rubber Splicing Tape based on Ethylene Propylene Polymers |
no |
High-voltage, Self-fusing, Insulating Tape based on Ethylene Propylene Polymers |
no |
|
Vinyl Insulation Tape |
Yes |
|
Vinyl Insulation Tape |
Yes |
Methods differ, but all of the goals are the same:
Make sure it doesnt decay, shrink, leak, leave a mess, or get eaten.
Some quotes from the above link:
The Andrew recommended method is: 1) Apply two wraps of electrical tape over the joint (I recommend Scotch 33 or 88 myself). 2) Apply a layer of butyl rubber vapor wrap over the joint making sure that there are no air cavities or openings in the wrap. BTW, this is BETTER than CoaxSeal. 3) Apply 2 wraps of electrical tape over the joint with the final wrap going UP to minimize water migration. 4) Somewhat optional -- coat joint with Scotch-Kote sealer. I've seen some guys use spray urethane over the joint. It's another layer of protection whichever you use. This technique should be used with ANY outdoor coax joint. It'll last for years and when you take your razor knife and open the joint up, it'll be just like new inside. 73 and good luck, Steve K7LXC
Note from Johan, F5RQH: I use the self-amalgamating butyl rubber tape (can also be found for water evacuation pipe sealing, much cheaper than the special antenna-related tapes) and add a layer of *black* vinyl electrical tape over it to get UV-protection. For both layers make sure to overlap the turns 50% and the right way (like shingles on a roof) and secure the last turn of the vinyl tape with a tie-wrap - it comes off over time, otherwise. and yes, this is often more convenient than shrink tubing that would have to be of the sort with hot glue inside, otherwise it just "stores" water. Comments to wifimassatois@free(spam?no).fr
