DX Engineering DXE-TECHTIP-WPCC User guide Rev 3

Weatherproofing

Coaxial Cable

Connections

DXE-TECHTIP-WPCC Rev 3

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Weatherproofing Your Coaxial Cable Connections

This DX Engineering Tech-Tip will show you the preferred way to reliably weatherproof your
coaxial connections.

Over the years many different methods have been used to weatherproof coaxial cable connections.

Some worked, some did not. Once water or condensation enters your coaxial cable, it will ruin it, or
worse yet, cause shorting or high SWR conditions which could lead to permanent damage to your
transmitter.

One type of coaxial sealing material is a gummy tar like substance that you wrap around the coaxial
connection. This gummy substance works pretty good, except when you try to remove it for
maintenance or coaxial cable replacement, it can cause further problems. The gummy substance just
doesn't come off cleanly and small bits of it may remain in the threads of PL-259's or SO-239's.
These small bits of material are mini-insulators, and could cause intermittent operation.

The method described in this DX Engineering Tech-Tip uses a combination of two types of tape
which not only protect your coaxial connection, but also allow easy removal for future maintenance.

The two products, available from DX Engineering, used in this Tech-Tip are:

TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape.

Conformable self-fusing rubber electrical insulating tape. It is designed for low
voltage electrical insulating and moisture sealing applications. For outdoor use, it
should be protected from UV deterioration with an overwrap of TES-06132

TES-06132 - Scotch® Super 33+.

Highly conformable super stretchy tape for all weather applications. This tape
provides flexibility and easy handling for all around performance. It also combines
PVC backing with excellent electrical insulating properties to provide primary
electrical insulation for splices up to 600V and protective jacketing.

These tapes can be used indoors or outdoors. When used outdoors the temperature should be above
freezing, and if it's raining, keep the assembly you are wrapping covered and dry while applying the
tapes. Any airborne moisture such as fog, rain and snow may cause the tape to not stick properly, so
take adequate precautions to protect the assembly you are weatherproofing.

Additionally, the coaxial cable and connectors should be clean and free of any moisture, dirt or
other residues.

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1. The only tool you will need for this procedure is a pair of scissors. This example is using two
pieces of coaxial cable with PL-259 connectors that are joined together with a short UHF barrel
connector. This same method may be used on any connection you are weatherproofing.

2. Cut a piece of TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape long enough to complete
the job you are doing. If the length you
cut is too short, that's okay. You can add
more where needed and it will not
compromise the weatherproofing.

In this example a 15" length of the TES-

2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber
Splicing Tape was used to weatherproof
two PL-259's tightly connected together
with a short UHF barrel connector.

3. The TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape has a protective backing material
so the tape will not stick to itself when on the roll. As shown below, peel this protective
backing off of the length that you cut from the roll.

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