This came as an e-mail in answer to the above thread and the writer
gives permission to post it. Thanks Ray.
Eric

Subject:
Re: (M) Telescope Problems (..& Dow Corning 4)
Date:
Wed, 2 Sep 1998 00:18:45 -0700 (PDT)
From:
To:


Ah, the trusty Dow Corning "4 Electrical Insulating Compound". That's
good stuff, and a tube can indeed last you for decades -- I've had mine
for around 20 years now. It also works well for preventing moisture
intrusion in coaxial cable connections outdoors, but does take some
care. (For those who want to run cables from scope outside to computer
or VCR inside.)

Basically, you want to put enough of the DC4 into the connector so it
will displace *all* the air when you mate it with the other connector.
If you plan to leave it set up for anything longer than a week or two,
or if it might rain, consider the additional steps I use. Wrap the
entire connector junction area with electrical tape, starting out on
the cable on one side and proceeding to the cable on the other side.
Don't be stingy with the tape; use about 50% overlap. Then cover the
wrapped joint with a good layer of synthetic silicone sealant (clear
sealant will make it easier to find the tape end later for
unwrapping!). Let it cure and you're in business. I've undone
connections like this using "UHF" (PL-259 type) connectors after over
five years, and they came out looking like new! (Anyone who has ever
seen these screwball connectors in their normal oxidized state after a
year or two open to the weather *knows* how bad they can be. :-)

I'm certainly no expert on this stuff and am *very* willing to learn
from those who are. I do know from personal experience that this
little trick works quite well.

Another item that works well on connectors is Stabilant 22A (my little
15 ml container says). It's actually a contact enhancer, and the local
2-way radio folks use it on microphone, speaker, antenna, etc.
connectors for high reliability. Made by D.W. Electrochemicals
Ltd./Ltee., 97 Newkirk Road North, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4C 3G4,
CANADA. These guys locally swear by it, but I don't know if they use
that on *permanent, outdoor* connectors, or if they add an additional
wrap & silicone sealant, etc.

I generally use Caig Laboratories "DeOxit" spray on various indoor
connectors, switches, etc. It's also a contact cleaner/lubricant that
works *very* well. (Caig is in San Diego, California)

Good luck! If you feel like posting this to the MAPUG group, that's
fine with me.

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