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Waterproof SO-239 covers

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Doug Daniels

Waterproof SO-239 covers

I just built a window antenna feedthrough panel, and want some waterproof
covers for the unused bulkhead connectors. Most of the online reviews say
that even the ones advertised to be waterproof are in fact not waterproof.
Anyone have a source for ones that are?

--

--... ...--
Doug
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Jim Bruce

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

Doug not knowing if you are looking for commercial solutions or McGyver ideas. I would think that old rubber hose pieces that fit snug or close held on with hose clamps should work. The end opposite the feed thru could be sealed with silicone or left open if a few inches from the wall. I have also used old leaky garden hose over top of hydraulic hoses subjected to vibration rubbing or running RG cables inside of the hose that are exposed for additional protection.Just a cheap solution.JimSent via the Samsung Galaxy Note9, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: Doug Daniels <[hidden email]> Date: 7/15/20 17:06 (GMT-05:00) To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]> Subject: [Elecraft] Waterproof SO-239 covers I just built a window antenna feedthrough panel, and want some waterproofcovers for the unused bulkhead connectors. Most of the online reviews saythat even the ones advertised to be waterproof are in fact not waterproof.Anyone have a source for ones that are?-- --... ...--Doug______________________________________________________________Elecraft mailing listHome: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htmPost: mailto:[hidden email] list hosted by: http://www.qsl.netPlease help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.htmlMessage delivered to [hidden email]
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Nate Bargmann

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

In reply to this post by Doug Daniels

* On 2020 15 Jul 16:07 -0500, Doug Daniels wrote:
> I just built a window antenna feedthrough panel, and want some waterproof
> covers for the unused bulkhead connectors. Most of the online reviews say
> that even the ones advertised to be waterproof are in fact not waterproof.
> Anyone have a source for ones that are?

Anything you can slip on or off easily will not be water proof. I have
used 3M rubber splicing tape to good effect over the years as it is self
vulcanizing. Stretch it as you wrap it and it will fill the gaps. Then
wrap it with a couple of layers of 3M Super 88 or 33+ electrical tape to
protect it from uV.

I've not tried what you're doing as I've covered splices (UHF to barrel
to UHF, etc) with this method and the connection at the feedpoint of
antennas. I've opened them years later and everything is clean and dry.
The nice thing is that rubber will cut and peel away easier than the
butyl of Coax Seal and such. I do use the butyl on connections for
repeaters, hard line ground kits, and such!

Link to the 3M rubber tape:

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/Scotch-Rubber-Splicing-Tape-23/?N=5002385+8709319+8710676+8730567+3294318588&preselect=8710748+8744072&rt=rud

73, Nate, N0NB

--

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possible worlds. The pessimist fears this is true."

Web: https://www.n0nb.us
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Tommy

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

I wrap some duct seal putty around mine. Get it at Home Depot for cheap.
Works fine. I forget what I paid, around $2-3 for a brick of it I think.
Stays soft and pliable.

73 de Tom - KB2SMS

On 7/15/20 7:39 PM, Nate Bargmann wrote:
> * On 2020 15 Jul 16:07 -0500, Doug Daniels wrote:
>> I just built a window antenna feedthrough panel, and want some waterproof
>> covers for the unused bulkhead connectors. Most of the online reviews say
>> that even the ones advertised to be waterproof are in fact not waterproof.
>> Anyone have a source for ones that are?
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Gary K9GS-2

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

In reply to this post by Doug Daniels

Hi Doug,I've never done this but why not take a PL259, fill it with RTV or epoxy, let cure, install on the SO239, and then weatherproof like you would normally do?73,Gary K9GS
-------- Original message --------From: Doug Daniels <[hidden email]> Date: 7/15/20 4:04 PM (GMT-06:00) To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]> Subject: [Elecraft] Waterproof SO-239 covers I just built a window antenna feedthrough panel, and want some waterproofcovers for the unused bulkhead connectors. Most of the online reviews saythat even the ones advertised to be waterproof are in fact not waterproof.Anyone have a source for ones that are?-- --... ...--Doug______________________________________________________________Elecraft mailing listHome: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htmPost: mailto:[hidden email] list hosted by: http://www.qsl.netPlease help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.htmlMessage delivered to [hidden email]
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Ted Edwards W3TB

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

In reply to this post by Doug Daniels

First prepare an old PL-259 like Gary K9GS said.
Then go shopping in the plumbing area — not in electrical — and buy Rescue
Tape. It stretches around that PL-259 to seal it up and sticks to itself
rather than to the connector. Be careful because you won’t be able to
unwind it but will peak away when cut it with a knife.

And being a plumbing product it will seal to water. It comes in colors.

I use it for all my outdoor connections. Good stuff!

And I have wondered about those Flex Seal products we see on TV.

On Wed, Jul 15, 2020 at 20:09 Gary K9GS <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> Hi Doug,I've never done this but why not take a PL259, fill it with RTV or
> epoxy, let cure, install on the SO239, and then weatherproof like you would
> normally do?73,Gary K9GS
> -------- Original message --------From: Doug Daniels <[hidden email]>
> Date: 7/15/20 4:04 PM (GMT-06:00) To: Elecraft Reflector <
> [hidden email]> Subject: [Elecraft] Waterproof SO-239 covers I
> just built a window antenna feedthrough panel, and want some
> waterproofcovers for the unused bulkhead connectors. Most of the online
> reviews saythat even the ones advertised to be waterproof are in fact not
> waterproof.Anyone have a source for ones that are?-- --...
> ...--Doug______________________________________________________________Elecraft
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--
73 de Ted Edwards, W3TB and GØPWW

and thinking about operating CW:
"Do today what others won't,
so you can do tomorrow what others can't."
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Drew AF2Z

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

In reply to this post by Tommy

I would use Coax Seal. Same idea as duct seal but it's more pliable,
more wx resistant and a little stickier. It will last forever, never
hardens and can be peeled off when needed. Might want to screw pl-259
shells onto the socket threads first, then seal them. The sockets &
shells will be pristine when you go to use them.

73,
Drew
AF2Z

On 07/15/20 18:52, Tommy wrote:

> I wrap some duct seal putty around mine. Get it at Home Depot for cheap.
> Works fine. I forget what I paid, around $2-3 for a brick of it I think.
> Stays soft and pliable.
>
> 73 de Tom - KB2SMS
>
>
> On 7/15/20 7:39 PM, Nate Bargmann wrote:
>> * On 2020 15 Jul 16:07 -0500, Doug Daniels wrote:
>>> I just built a window antenna feedthrough panel, and want some
>>> waterproof
>>> covers for the unused bulkhead connectors. Most of the online reviews
>>> say
>>> that even the ones advertised to be waterproof are in fact not
>>> waterproof.
>>> Anyone have a source for ones that are?
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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NK7Z

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

American Radio Supply sells metal covers that thread onto SO-239, and
have a soft rubber insert. I have been using them on outdoor connectors
for years now, and they work well...

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 7/15/20 6:50 PM, Drew AF2Z wrote:

> I would use Coax Seal. Same idea as duct seal but it's more pliable,
> more wx resistant and a little stickier. It will last forever, never
> hardens and can be peeled off when needed. Might want to screw pl-259
> shells onto the socket threads first, then seal them. The sockets &
> shells will be pristine when you go to use them.
>
> 73,
> Drew
> AF2Z
>
>
>
> On 07/15/20 18:52, Tommy wrote:
>> I wrap some duct seal putty around mine. Get it at Home Depot for
>> cheap. Works fine. I forget what I paid, around $2-3 for a brick of it
>> I think. Stays soft and pliable.
>>
>> 73 de Tom - KB2SMS
>>
>>
>> On 7/15/20 7:39 PM, Nate Bargmann wrote:
>>> * On 2020 15 Jul 16:07 -0500, Doug Daniels wrote:
>>>> I just built a window antenna feedthrough panel, and want some
>>>> waterproof
>>>> covers for the unused bulkhead connectors. Most of the online
>>>> reviews say
>>>> that even the ones advertised to be waterproof are in fact not
>>>> waterproof.
>>>> Anyone have a source for ones that are?
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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Gary K9GS-2

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

In reply to this post by Ted Edwards W3TB

I'm a big fan of rescue tape too. No adhesive and cuts away very easily with a sharp blade.Home Depot sells a version:Nashua Tape 1 in. x 3.33 yd. Stretch and Seal Self-Fusing Silicone Tape in Blackhttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Nashua-Tape-1-in-x-3-33-yd-Stretch-and-Seal-Self-Fusing-Silicone-Tape-in-Black-1208952/100206050Walmart carries it too:https://www.walmart.com/ip/RESCUE-TAPE-Original-Silicone-Self-Fusing-Multi-Purpose-Tape-Orange/21154031?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=11052&&adid=22222222228000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9018799&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=117084351&wl11=online&wl12=21154031&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0rr4BRCtARIsAB0_48MwYg3GYwxdnjFhsIbmpsQ4jhZ71aSUBZ8PhIGpokraWc5Wm6juwfQaAjzUEALw_wcB73,Gary K9GS
-------- Original message --------From: Ted Edwards W3TB <[hidden email]> Date: 7/15/20 8:00 PM (GMT-06:00) To: Gary K9GS <[hidden email]> Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Waterproof SO-239 covers First prepare an old PL-259 like Gary K9GS said.Then go shopping in the plumbing area — not in electrical — and buy Rescue Tape. It stretches around that PL-259 to seal it up and sticks to itself rather than to the connector. Be careful because you won’t be able to unwind it but will peak away when cut it with a knife. And being a plumbing product it will seal to water. It comes in colors. I use it for all my outdoor connections. Good stuff!And I have wondered about those Flex Seal products we see on TV.On Wed, Jul 15, 2020 at 20:09 Gary K9GS <[hidden email]> wrote:
Hi Doug,I've never done this but why not take a PL259, fill it with RTV or epoxy, let cure, install on the SO239, and then weatherproof like you would normally do?73,Gary K9GS
-------- Original message --------From: Doug Daniels <[hidden email]> Date: 7/15/20 4:04 PM (GMT-06:00) To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]> Subject: [Elecraft] Waterproof SO-239 covers I just built a window antenna feedthrough panel, and want some waterproofcovers for the unused bulkhead connectors. Most of the online reviews saythat even the ones advertised to be waterproof are in fact not waterproof.Anyone have a source for ones that are?-- --... ...--Doug______________________________________________________________Elecraft mailing listHome: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htmPost: mailto:[hidden email] list hosted by: http://www.qsl.netPlease help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.htmlMessage delivered to [hidden email]
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-- 73 de Ted Edwards, W3TB and GØPWWand thinking about operating CW:"Do today what others won't,so you can do tomorrow what others can't."
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

In reply to this post by Doug Daniels

I use SO-239 waterproof covers on my motorhome. They are small caps which screw on, and have a rubber gasket in the cap to keep water from entering. As best I can remember they work just fine.

I purchased mine at radio swaps from the guys that sell connectors. Also, try any of the wire/connector vendors on line. Debco Electronics probably have them; Gigaparts; R&L; etc.

Speed Gray, K8SG

> On Jul 15, 2020, at 11:20 PM, Gary K9GS <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
> I'm a big fan of rescue tape too. No adhesive and cuts away very easily with a sharp blade.Home Depot sells a version:Nashua Tape 1 in. x 3.33 yd. Stretch and Seal Self-Fusing Silicone Tape in Blackhttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Nashua-Tape-1-in-x-3-33-yd-Stretch-and-Seal-Self-Fusing-Silicone-Tape-in-Black-1208952/100206050Walmart carries it too:https://www.walmart.com/ip/RESCUE-TAPE-Original-Silicone-Self-Fusing-Multi-Purpose-Tape-Orange/21154031?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=11052&&adid=22222222228000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9018799&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=117084351&wl11=online&wl12=21154031&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0rr4BRCtARIsAB0_48MwYg3GYwxdnjFhsIbmpsQ4jhZ71aSUBZ8PhIGpokraWc5Wm6juwfQaAjzUEALw_wcB73,Gary K9GS
> -------- Original message --------From: Ted Edwards W3TB <[hidden email]> Date: 7/15/20 8:00 PM (GMT-06:00) To: Gary K9GS <[hidden email]> Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Waterproof SO-239 covers First prepare an old PL-259 like Gary K9GS said.Then go shopping in the plumbing area — not in electrical — and buy Rescue Tape. It stretches around that PL-259 to seal it up and sticks to itself rather than to the connector. Be careful because you won’t be able to unwind it but will peak away when cut it with a knife. And being a plumbing product it will seal to water. It comes in colors. I use it for all my outdoor connections. Good stuff!And I have wondered about those Flex Seal products we see on TV.On Wed, Jul 15, 2020 at 20:09 Gary K9GS <[hidden email]> wrote:
> Hi Doug,I've never done this but why not take a PL259, fill it with RTV or epoxy, let cure, install on the SO239, and then weatherproof like you would normally do?73,Gary K9GS
> -------- Original message --------From: Doug Daniels <[hidden email]> Date: 7/15/20 4:04 PM (GMT-06:00) To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]> Subject: [Elecraft] Waterproof SO-239 covers I just built a window antenna feedthrough panel, and want some waterproofcovers for the unused bulkhead connectors. Most of the online reviews saythat even the ones advertised to be waterproof are in fact not waterproof.Anyone have a source for ones that are?-- --... ...--Doug______________________________________________________________Elecraft mailing listHome: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htmPost: mailto:[hidden email] list hosted by: http://www.qsl.netPlease help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.htmlMessage delivered to [hidden email]
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> -- 73 de Ted Edwards, W3TB and GØPWWand thinking about operating CW:"Do today what others won't,so you can do tomorrow what others can't."
> ______________________________________________________________
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Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

In reply to this post by NK7Z

A great selection of bits. Unfortunately when I tried to order a couple
of microphone connector dust caps for my K2 and K3. The system took the
order but they refused to post them.

Regards,

Mike VP8NO

On 15/07/2020 23:57, Dave Cole wrote:

> American Radio Supply sells metal covers that thread onto SO-239, and
> have a soft rubber insert. I have been using them on outdoor connectors
> for years now, and they work well...
>
> 73, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
> https://www.nk7z.net
> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> ARRL Technical Specialist
> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

Vic Rosenthal

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

This is frustrating for those of us who don’t live in the US or Europe. Even before Corona I tried to order some hardware from McMaster-Carr in the US, only to be (somewhat unpleasantly) turned down. The same from other suppliers.
I don’t know what’s the big deal when we pay the postage. I used to send packages around the world when I was in the US, and there was only one simple customs form to fill out.

Victor 4X6GP

> On 16 Jul 2020, at 15:35, Mike Harris via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> A great selection of bits. Unfortunately when I tried to order a couple of microphone connector dust caps for my K2 and K3. The system took the order but they refused to post them.
>
> Regards,
>
> Mike VP8NO
>
>> On 15/07/2020 23:57, Dave Cole wrote:
>> American Radio Supply sells metal covers that thread onto SO-239, and have a soft rubber insert. I have been using them on outdoor connectors for years now, and they work well...
>> 73, and thanks,
>> Dave (NK7Z)
>> https://www.nk7z.net
>> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
>> ARRL Technical Specialist
>> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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David Herring

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

Laziness maybe? Uninformed? I don’t know…frustrating for sure... I can tell you that some people *IN* the US can’t get things shipped. I used to live in Hawaii, its a state in the US, no customs forms, we’d pay the shipping, and people STILL would not ship there.

Staggers the imagination.

73,
David - N5DCH

> On Jul 16, 2020, at 6:59 AM, Vic Rosenthal <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> This is frustrating for those of us who don’t live in the US or Europe. Even before Corona I tried to order some hardware from McMaster-Carr in the US, only to be (somewhat unpleasantly) turned down. The same from other suppliers.
> I don’t know what’s the big deal when we pay the postage. I used to send packages around the world when I was in the US, and there was only one simple customs form to fill out.
>
> Victor 4X6GP
>
>> On 16 Jul 2020, at 15:35, Mike Harris via Elecraft <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>>
>> A great selection of bits. Unfortunately when I tried to order a couple of microphone connector dust caps for my K2 and K3. The system took the order but they refused to post them.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Mike VP8NO
>>
>>> On 15/07/2020 23:57, Dave Cole wrote:
>>> American Radio Supply sells metal covers that thread onto SO-239, and have a soft rubber insert. I have been using them on outdoor connectors for years now, and they work well...
>>> 73, and thanks,
>>> Dave (NK7Z)
>>> https://www.nk7z.net
>>> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
>>> ARRL Technical Specialist
>>> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft <http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm <http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net <http://www.qsl.net/>
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html <http://www.qsl.net/donate.html>
>> Message delivered to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
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ke9uw

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

In reply to this post by NK7Z

https://www.americanradiosupply.com/pl-259-so-239-uhf-coaxial-protective-dust-cover-rain-cap/
[https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-47f02/products/114/images/5289/ARS_G510_CAP_IMG__21773.1507979153.200.200.jpg?c=2]<https://www.americanradiosupply.com/pl-259-so-239-uhf-coaxial-protective-dust-cover-rain-cap/>
PL-259 / SO-239 UHF Coaxial Protective Dust Cover - Rain Cap<https://www.americanradiosupply.com/pl-259-so-239-uhf-coaxial-protective-dust-cover-rain-cap/>
PL-259 SO-239 Coaxial Cap Protective Dust Cover - ARS-G510
www.americanradiosupply.com

Chuck Hawley
[hidden email]

Amateur Radio, KE9UW
aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles

________________________________
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> on behalf of Dave Cole <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 9:57 PM
To: [hidden email] <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Waterproof SO-239 covers

American Radio Supply sells metal covers that thread onto SO-239, and
have a soft rubber insert. I have been using them on outdoor connectors
for years now, and they work well...

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 7/15/20 6:50 PM, Drew AF2Z wrote:

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Chuck, KE9UW

NK7Z

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

By the way... These caps also fit the mic connector on the front of the
K3...

I use them extensively on all outdoor SO-239s, and one on the mic cover
for the K3. :)

If you sign up for the mail list at American Radio Supply, they will
send you a coupon for 10 bucks off a 25 buck order fairly routinely...

They are good folks, care about customer support, and in general provide
a very good product for a good price.

I also use their PL-259s, and adapters for 8x, and they take solder, and
hold up well...

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 7/16/20 6:34 AM, hawley, charles j jr wrote:

> https://www.americanradiosupply.com/pl-259-so-239-uhf-coaxial-protective-dust-cover-rain-cap/
> [https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-47f02/products/114/images/5289/ARS_G510_CAP_IMG__21773.1507979153.200.200.jpg?c=2]<https://www.americanradiosupply.com/pl-259-so-239-uhf-coaxial-protective-dust-cover-rain-cap/>
> PL-259 / SO-239 UHF Coaxial Protective Dust Cover - Rain Cap<https://www.americanradiosupply.com/pl-259-so-239-uhf-coaxial-protective-dust-cover-rain-cap/>
> PL-259 SO-239 Coaxial Cap Protective Dust Cover - ARS-G510
> www.americanradiosupply.com
>
>
> Chuck Hawley
> [hidden email]
>
> Amateur Radio, KE9UW
> aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles
>
> ________________________________
> From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> on behalf of Dave Cole <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 9:57 PM
> To: [hidden email] <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Waterproof SO-239 covers
>
> American Radio Supply sells metal covers that thread onto SO-239, and
> have a soft rubber insert. I have been using them on outdoor connectors
> for years now, and they work well...
>
> 73, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
> https://www.nk7z.net
> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> ARRL Technical Specialist
> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
>
> On 7/15/20 6:50 PM, Drew AF2Z wrote:
>> I would use Coax Seal. Same idea as duct seal but it's more pliable,
>> more wx resistant and a little stickier. It will last forever, never
>> hardens and can be peeled off when needed. Might want to screw pl-259
>> shells onto the socket threads first, then seal them. The sockets &
>> shells will be pristine when you go to use them.
>>
>> 73,
>> Drew
>> AF2Z
>>
>>
>>
>> On 07/15/20 18:52, Tommy wrote:
>>> I wrap some duct seal putty around mine. Get it at Home Depot for
>>> cheap. Works fine. I forget what I paid, around $2-3 for a brick of it
>>> I think. Stays soft and pliable.
>>>
>>> 73 de Tom - KB2SMS
>>>
>>>
>>> On 7/15/20 7:39 PM, Nate Bargmann wrote:
>>>> * On 2020 15 Jul 16:07 -0500, Doug Daniels wrote:
>>>>> I just built a window antenna feedthrough panel, and want some
>>>>> waterproof
>>>>> covers for the unused bulkhead connectors. Most of the online
>>>>> reviews say
>>>>> that even the ones advertised to be waterproof are in fact not
>>>>> waterproof.
>>>>> Anyone have a source for ones that are?
>>> ______________________________________________________________
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Phil Kane-2

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

In reply to this post by Drew AF2Z

On 7/15/2020 6:50 PM, Drew AF2Z wrote:

> I would use Coax Seal. Same idea as duct seal but it's more pliable,
> more wx resistant and a little stickier. It will last forever, never
> hardens and can be peeled off when needed. Might want to screw pl-259
> shells onto the socket threads first, then seal them. The sockets &
> shells will be pristine when you go to use them.

Don't forget to tighten the connector 1/4 turn after "finger tight" with
a pair of pliers to make a real seal.

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
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Phil Kane-2

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

On 7/16/2020 5:35 AM, Mike Harris via Elecraft wrote:

> A great selection of bits. Unfortunately when I tried to order a couple
> of microphone connector dust caps for my K2 and K3. The system took the
> order but they refused to post them.

Sometimes the vendor refuses to send to a post office box. What works
then, at least in the USA, is to specify the street address plus the PO
Box as if it was an apartment number. I always get a laugh when UPS
refuses to accept the PO Box as a delivery address, but their Big Brown
Truck pulls up to the PO loading dock anyway.

This, of course, does not apply to items that the Postal Service will
not handle, such as batteries and corrosive liquids.

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
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Doug Daniels

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

In reply to this post by Doug Daniels

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions. I've decided to go with the
American Radio Supply covers, as they looked the best quality. I'll combine
them with some Scotch/3M/rescue tape/coax-seal, whatever I can source
locally. I would have gone with the PL-259 idea if I'd had any used ones
around.

On Wed, Jul 15, 2020 at 5:04 PM Doug Daniels <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I just built a window antenna feedthrough panel, and want some waterproof
> covers for the unused bulkhead connectors. Most of the online reviews say
> that even the ones advertised to be waterproof are in fact not waterproof.
> Anyone have a source for ones that are?
>
> --
>
> --... ...--
> Doug
>

--

--... ...--
Doug
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

In reply to this post by Phil Kane-2

I must say that over many years and without any ill effect I've never
bought into this idea of Gorilering up a PL259 with pliers beyond finger
tight. A quarter of a turn is an unbelievable suggestion. I've just
tried it and a couple of degrees is the best I could do without being
brutal and even then I don't thing it would go any further.

Urban myth maybe?

Also, I've never had a failure after simply applying a generous wrap of
self amalgamating tape, nothing else, to waterproof coax connectors. Our
UV environment is pretty powerful, clear skies and sunshine can turn the
skin on my head into huge dandruff seven days later after 30 minutes
exposure.

Regards,

Mike VP8NO

On 16/07/2020 12:21, Phil Kane wrote:

> On 7/15/2020 6:50 PM, Drew AF2Z wrote:
>
>> I would use Coax Seal. Same idea as duct seal but it's more pliable,
>> more wx resistant and a little stickier. It will last forever, never
>> hardens and can be peeled off when needed. Might want to screw pl-259
>> shells onto the socket threads first, then seal them. The sockets &
>> shells will be pristine when you go to use them.
>
> Don't forget to tighten the connector 1/4 turn after "finger tight" with
> a pair of pliers to make a real seal.
>
> 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
> Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402
>
>>From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
> Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

KENT TRIMBLE

Re: Waterproof SO-239 covers

Mike . . .

I think he might have misspoken when suggesting using pliers to effect
an extra quarter-turn on a PL-259 after first getting it finger-tight.

The "quarter turn" idea most often refers to the trick of backing-off a
screw "a quarter turn" and then re-tightening in order to break up
corrosion. More than one restorer has brought vintage equipment to life
by doing nothing more than that.

A second problem with using pliers to scrunch a PL-259 is the risk of
permanently deforming the barrel making future removal difficult if not
impossible.

Plier-tightening has its place, but hardly more than the degree or two
to which you alluded.

Take care of that dandruff!

73,

Kent K9ZTV

On 7/16/2020 12:46 PM, Mike Harris via Elecraft wrote:

> I must say that over many years and without any ill effect I've never
> bought into this idea of Gorilering up a PL259 with pliers beyond
> finger tight. A quarter of a turn is an unbelievable suggestion. I've
> just tried it and a couple of degrees is the best I could do without
> being brutal and even then I don't thing it would go any further.
>
> Urban myth maybe?
>
> Also, I've never had a failure after simply applying a generous wrap
> of self amalgamating tape, nothing else, to waterproof coax
> connectors. Our UV environment is pretty powerful, clear skies and
> sunshine can turn the skin on my head into huge dandruff seven days
> later after 30 minutes exposure.
>
> Regards,
>
> Mike VP8NO
>

> On 16/07/2020 12:21, someone wrote:
>> Don't forget to tighten the connector 1/4 turn after "finger tight" with
>> a pair of pliers to make a real seal.
>>

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