"Waterproof" connectors

[esto]

On the coax cable connected to my LNB's, I have been up to now using screw-on cable connectors with a rubber water-proof "hull" pulled over it, like this:

_http://www.schwaiger.de/index.php?id=92&product_id=504

Now I bought some compression connectors that are "waterproof", like this:

_http://www.schwaiger.de/index.php?id=187&product_id=1271

With the new compression connector, I am kind of skeptical about leaving it connected to my LNB without the rubber hull pulled over it. Is the connection really water-tight? I did pull the rubber hull over the compression connectors, but the fit is so tight, that I have trouble un-screwing the connector (seem the compression connectors are thicker than the screw-on ones.

Maybe a dumb question, but are the "water-tight" compression connectors REALLY water-tight? Or should I still try to put some kind of rubber hull over it for more certainty?

Thanks

 

[Robbo]

I don't suppose that they are waterproof to the extent that you could immerse them in water. But yes, when installed hanging down from the LNB, no water will get in.

However, a bit of self-amalg tape over the top doesn't hurt, and helps stop the connectors seizing up and keeps them looking nice.

 

[excollier]

I have ordinary screw on f-plugs on my quad lnb and a good blob of silicone grease in each end with some smeared on the outside of the ends.
Never any water problems. And the wind and driving rain here is exceptional!
Amalgamating tape is excellent stuff, but trying to wrap four close fitting ends of a quad, well.....

 

[Terryl]

Use "Liquid Tape" to seal those hard to get to connections, and dielectric grease designed for coax fittings should be used as some of the silicone greases (not all) will cause the coax insulation to break down over time and you will wind up with a big time headache.

Liquid tape looks like this stuff, hXXp://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Liquid_Tape_-_Electrical_Insulation

And the good stuff to use for the connectors looks like this stuff, hXXp://www.dxengineering.com/Parts.asp?ID=5439&PLID=371&SecID=127&DeptID=32&PartNo=DXE-22058

 

[excollier]

I use the Servisol silicone grease, and have used it a lot, I hope it's one of the better ones. No problems yet though!

I travelled down from Lake Mono to Death Valley once, following the Sierra Nevada mountains via Bishop.
I think we get a lot more rain here in the NW of Ireland.
Don't suppose wet dish connections are much of a problem over there, you are lucky

 

[esto]

Thanks for the replies. The dielectric grease looks like a good idea. And the tape and liquid-plastic could be worth a shot.
My dishes are in my yard and easy for me to access, so I mess around with them quite a bit. The rubber hull was perfect, because I could slide it on and of again and again. With tape or liquid-plastic, it'll be a little more hassle every time I want to take the connectors on/off the LNB's, but no biggie I guess.

Or do the rubber hulls come in larger sizes? I have 2 or 3 different makes and they all look to have about the same diameter. I prefer the Schwaiger, because the rubber is more stretchy and it's easier to fit them over the f-connectors. With some of the cheaper ones I got on ebay, the plastic is so stiff, you can't stretch them enough to fit over the connector. Those are basically worthless (but were cheap ;))

 

[Terryl]

The problem with some of the silicon grease is that some are petroleum based, this will cause a wicking action back up into the coax insulation when it gets hot and cause a break down of the insulator, it should be totally inert, and won't go liquid at high temperatures, it should stay a paste at or above 150 degrees C, and it should also be non conductive at high RF frequency's (10 to 40 GHz)

Here is a PDF on the stuff we used on radio towers, you can see if you have the same type stuff if they have a MSDS on file.
hXXp://www.silchem.com/pdf%20Files/SM7704_Gen_TechDataSheet_v11031.pdf

And to all looking for this stuff, dont get confused by some of those know it all's down at the hardware store and have them sell you the NO-OX stuff, (oxidation preventive for electrical contacts) it is conductive and will ruin your day.

 

[esto]

Actually, I was just looking at the Visiosat catalouge, and it states there that their compression connectors are "100% hermetic, water immersion resistant", so that sounds pretty much like no extra protection (ie: tape, rubber boot, etc.) is necessary. That gives me some more confidence, that compression connectors really are 100% water-proof. Guess I'll toss my rubbers and make the connection "bareback" and see how it goes ;)

 

[Robbo]

Ahh yes, the cabelcon ones, I have some of those, they are very good, but pricey.

 

[Terryl]

Actually, I was just looking at the Visiosat catalouge, and it states there that their compression connectors are "100% hermetic, water immersion resistant", so that sounds pretty much like no extra protection (ie: tape, rubber boot, etc.) is necessary. That gives me some more confidence, that compression connectors really are 100% water-proof. Guess I'll toss my rubbers and make the connection "bareback" and see how it goes ;)

Be sure to do this at the right time of the month or you may wined up with some extra connectors running around..................................................NYUK NYUK NYUK.

 

[OldBen]

The cablecon ones are 100% water proof once installed correctly allegedly, I have left mine out in the rain so far with no major issues! One vendor even claims they can take more than 1bar pressure (in other words you can dunk them and then some)!