OAUSA Net - February 13, 2014 - Outdoor Myths Busted

[DaveK]

This week we have a special guest who many of you will remember - Mike Ward KG6WSL. Mike has always been a very good friend of OAUSA. He hosted the Rescue Net on the Keller Peak repeater for many years. Mike's topic will be "Outdoor Myths Busted". Join us.

[DaveK]

Tonight's product spotlight is on one of those little things that can mean so much. Few things are as irritating as pushing the transmit button on your radio when nothing happens. Poor connections are often the cause and especially so for connections that are exposed to the elements. Mobil applications are perhaps the most susceptible due to moisture (read rain) being forced into every opening, sometime as highway speeds. The cure - COAX Seal by Universal Electronics Inc.

I have the Amphenol PL259 coax connector that I use to connect my mobile antenna to the coax cable which goes to the radios. The coax seal has been on the connectors for over 5 years without a single problem caused by moisture. How do I know?? - about a year ago I changed the mount for the antenna and had to remove the seal from the coax connection. The PL259 was as silvery shiny as the day I installed it and the soldered connections were like new. My vehicle sees a lot of the elements, especially on our wilderness trips. Aside from its sealing properties, is was very nice to find that the seal did not require a great deal of effort to remove. It remains pliable and protective for a long time.

Price - less than $4.00 Check out Amazon

Here is what the manufacturer says:

Seals Coax fittings from moisture and corrosion
Stays flexible at any temperature
Insures low SWR
Fast and easy seal for all antenna connections
Forms over odd shapes and sizes

Here is the seal on my antenna - not pretty, as it has accumulated some dust, but if it matters, the dust can be removed easily with a soft brush and water.

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COAX Seal

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