for the best water seal possible, you want to coat the connecter and first 
inch or two of coax with the sealant, then wrap it with several layers of 
electrical tape.
If you put the tape on first, it won't give you a proper water seal.
Electrical tape doesn't seal against water, and if you put that on first, 
then the sealant, the sealant will only be sealing the surface of the tape 
wrap, and not right up against the connecter edges where the water gets in.
You can always rewrap the tape layer every once in a while...UV will break 
down electrical tape over a while, and so will water and cold etc.
that's why you certainly don't put it on first, because cold, water and UV 
will break it down and break the seal completely.
73
Colin, V A6BKX
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "tom behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 5:44 AM
Subject: best strategy for sealing outdoor coax connections


> Hi, all.
>
> As you know, I am awaiting some antenna help, and once that help arrives, 
> I
> should be able to get some antennas up here at the Michigan qth.
>
> I'm planning to use the Diamond X200A and Alpha Delta DXCC that I used out
> in Colorado for VHF/UHF, and HF respectively.
>
> I also purchased a Carolina Windom 160 compact from Radioworks, which I 
> plan
> to run at right angles to the DXCC if I can, which hopefully may help me 
> out
> a bit on the lower bands--namely 80 and 160.  Actually, I have never been 
> on
> 160, which is also part of the motivation for purchasing the Carolina 
> Windom
> 160 compact.
>
> Anyway, I know this topic has been discussed before, but can't remember 
> how
> the issue was resolved.
>
> What is the best way to seal outdoor coax connections?  I have some Radio
> Shack coax seal here, plus some electrical tape, but I can't remember
> whether it's best to put the coax seal on first, followed by the tape, or
> put the tape on first, followed by the coax seal.
>
> I just want to do things right the first time, if you know what I mean.
> (smile)
>
> 73 from Tom Behler:  KB8TYJ