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Old 18 November 2010, 16:01   #1
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Waterproofing a PL259 VHF Connection

Hi, I have just bought a Icom M411 VHF and I’m planning on fitting it on the side of my SR4 console.

The whole unit will be exposed and although it is supposed to be waterproof the PL259 plug on the back will also be exposed. Is it as simple as wrapping the connection in electrical insulation tape? And is there anything else I need to consider?

Thanks in advance.
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Old 18 November 2010, 18:10   #2
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I think you'll find self-amalgamating tape is a much better option. If done well, it'll be practically waterproof.
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Old 18 November 2010, 18:31   #3
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I would also stuff the plug with silicone grease. Put in so much that when you apply it to the radio, it spews out of the back of the plug.
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Old 18 November 2010, 18:36   #4
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I would also stuff the plug with silicone grease. Put in so much that when you apply it to the radio, it spews out of the back of the plug.
As silicone grease is an insulator, I would be very carefull where it is "stuffed" you would not want to insulate all the conecting surfaces !!
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Old 18 November 2010, 18:53   #5
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As silicone grease is an insulator, I would be very carefull where it is "stuffed" you would not want to insulate all the conecting surfaces !!
Probably better than using a conductive grease, which may create a short
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Old 18 November 2010, 18:56   #6
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Probably better than using a conductive grease, which may create a short
Totally agree however in the wrong place could be equally useless !!!
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Old 18 November 2010, 19:04   #7
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Probably better than using a conductive grease, which may create a short
At the risk of getting totally anorak,

The reason to use silicone grease in huge quantities is that, where there is a void, water will get in. If there is something in there already, such as grease, water is LESS LIKELY to get in.

Conducting surfaces are designed to scrape or rub together.

If a connector is designed correctly using grease should only help.
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Old 18 November 2010, 19:45   #8
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Thanks for all the advice

What about moderately using some silicone on the threads and at the back of the connection and then covering it with hot melt glue from a glue gun a bit like a made to measure rubber cover. Then wrap the whole thing in self-amalgamating tape?

I’ve seen some PCB’s covered in hot melt glue to keep them waterproof.
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Old 18 November 2010, 19:48   #9
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Silicone grease and adhesive lined heatshrink is how we do it. One of our boats done that way has been like it for 5 + years with no Problems at all.
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Old 18 November 2010, 20:02   #10
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At the risk of getting totally anorak,

The reason to use silicone grease in huge quantities is that, where there is a void, water will get in. If there is something in there already, such as grease, water is LESS LIKELY to get in.

Conducting surfaces are designed to scrape or rub together.

If a connector is designed correctly using grease should only help.
I agree

This stuff is designed for aerial sealing:

http://www.saltyjohn.co.uk/bandit-silicone-tape.htm
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Old 18 November 2010, 21:00   #11
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I've had my three-element Steppir up for over four years now and I've had no problems. The approach I've used (and on my boat too) is to cover the plug completely in Sikaflex so you can't see any metal. Spread it around where the plug meets the appliance as well. It makes the best seal although it does mean it's hard to get the plug off at a later date.

I've used grease in the past and that works too but it can be eroded by heavy rain and hail. Tape of any description will fail after a while. Exposed connections are a big problem in the Ham world. You may find eham.net to be of use for enquiries of this nature.

And before anyone asks, yes it goes up higher (40ft), yes it annoys the neighbours, and yes I have planning permission.
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Old 18 November 2010, 21:08   #12
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Bet you could get a lot of washing dried on that too
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Old 18 November 2010, 22:29   #13
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My father used to build his own VHF ham radio aerials in the days before telephones were invented here. What he used to do was cut holes in a plastic lid (about something the size of a large aerosol can lid) and make the solder connections from the elements to the coax inside the lid. Then when ready he would fill up the lid with isopon P40 - wait until set - end result was very strong and totally waterproof

Of course if you isopon'ed the aerial into the back of a radio you'd never get it off again but it wouldn't leak
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Old 19 November 2010, 06:34   #14
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Our Club RIB has a rubber cup that is RG58 thick at one end and PL259 thick at the other. It covers the plug and socket and a small length of cable. It fits very snuggly and can make removing and replacing the plug a little difficult. You obviously have to fit the thing first. Although probably not water proof it is splash resistant.

Gary
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Old 22 November 2010, 17:30   #15
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Self amalgamating tape will do the job just fine. If you wanna be safe replace the tape yearly. Or get a IP65 rated junction box if you can mount it somewhere and then do the connection in the JB.
Hope this helps.
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