Thanks much, Steve.

I'll check those retailers out for the bettter tape.  I'm not sure how good 
the Radio Shack stuff I have really is anyway.

73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Forst" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2007 2:53 PM
Subject: Re: sealing outdoor coax connections


> Tom,
>
> For what it's worth, I haven't used the black stuff in years.   A nasty 
> mess
> to get off later.  This is one reason some guys put down  a layer of black
> electrical tape first.    At some later time, you get off most of the 
> black
> goo and  then cut or peel the electrical tape off and your connectors are
> still bright and shiney, not all gooped up.    Some guys put the first 
> layer
> of tape with the sticky side up to make it even easier to get off.
>
> I prefer cold fusion or silicone tape that can be gotten at Home Depot or
> any electrical supply.  HD has them by Gardner
> Bender and 3M.   About 3 bucks a roll.   Cut a little less then you need.
> Peel off and throw away the mylar backing film    Stretch the piece
> lengthwise and it will  get about 50 percent longer.  Stretching also
> activates it.   Wrap it overlapping a bit and  squeezing  with your hand 
> to
> smush it all together.     Final wrap  with a layer or 2 of good  outdoor
> type electrical tape like Scotch Super 88, another 3 bucks a roll at HD.
> Good tight seal and  easy to get off later with no mess  left behind.
>
> Whenever using tape, the final  wrap should  be done from bottom to top 
> and
> the layers will overlap like the shingles on a roof and water won't  try 
> to
> get under the tape.
>
> 73 Steve KW3A
>