Relativily new boat owner. Pulled the boat for the first time this fall. When taking down the mast, I disconnected the coax connector (VHF radio) at the base of the mast. So the question is..... does one need to do anything special to protect the coax connector ends from weathering? They already seem a bit corroded.... how about in the spring, what is the proper way to clean them up? And should one coat the connectors with something to keep them water tight? I know signal strength can be degraded by not doing things properly.... Suggestion? Thanks in advance.
Coax Connectors
- Thread starter Tree
- Start date
- Status
Electrical contact spray
Spray the connector ends with electrical contact spray, then cover them in a baggie. Spray the ends again in the spring. We have never had to drop the stick for storage, but I have used the contact spray on other items such as GPS connectors.
Spray the connector ends with electrical contact spray, then cover them in a baggie. Spray the ends again in the spring. We have never had to drop the stick for storage, but I have used the contact spray on other items such as GPS connectors.
i use an old PL259 connector
that I sealed with 5200 for the female end and tape a baggie on the male end. In the spring reassemble after cleaning the connections with contact cleaner.
that I sealed with 5200 for the female end and tape a baggie on the male end. In the spring reassemble after cleaning the connections with contact cleaner.
I like to use Boeshield or Corrosion Block
I always spray disconnected connectors with either of the mentioned products and then put the ends in a plastic bag and secure them for the winter. In the spring clean up the connectors with a small stainless steel or bronze wire brush and respray with the product and re-assemble. It wouldn't hurt to slip a piece of heat-shrink tubing over the cable before assembly and shrink it to help seal out the salt air. Another product that is great for cleaning connectors and inside of lamp sockets is a pen-style item that has a bundle of fiberglass fibers that do a great job cleaning metal in tight places. I forget who makes it but West Marine has it and I've seen it in Wal-Mart in the auto section for about $6-7. Search WM for "cntact cleaner" to hopefully find it.
I always spray disconnected connectors with either of the mentioned products and then put the ends in a plastic bag and secure them for the winter. In the spring clean up the connectors with a small stainless steel or bronze wire brush and respray with the product and re-assemble. It wouldn't hurt to slip a piece of heat-shrink tubing over the cable before assembly and shrink it to help seal out the salt air. Another product that is great for cleaning connectors and inside of lamp sockets is a pen-style item that has a bundle of fiberglass fibers that do a great job cleaning metal in tight places. I forget who makes it but West Marine has it and I've seen it in Wal-Mart in the auto section for about $6-7. Search WM for "cntact cleaner" to hopefully find it.
One chance
When I was more active as a ham I used to have an antenna farm on top of my building. The wind action would eventually cause the shield to break away from the connector. With a long coax run you don't notice it when checking the SWR, but the antenna isn't there. I noticed the same thing when I unstepped the mast on my boat 2 yrs ago. Some people connect PL259 connectors without soldering the braid. Not good. No matter what, it's a good idea to put a brand new silver plated PL259 connector on both ends of the coax, unless you can replace the coax completely. And solder the braid and center conductor.
When I was more active as a ham I used to have an antenna farm on top of my building. The wind action would eventually cause the shield to break away from the connector. With a long coax run you don't notice it when checking the SWR, but the antenna isn't there. I noticed the same thing when I unstepped the mast on my boat 2 yrs ago. Some people connect PL259 connectors without soldering the braid. Not good. No matter what, it's a good idea to put a brand new silver plated PL259 connector on both ends of the coax, unless you can replace the coax completely. And solder the braid and center conductor.
- Status