I am about to mount a Talking House outdoor ATU..... Bought some regular RG6 coax used for satellite dishes and general purpose stuff.
Noticed online, they offer compression fitting boot ends that are waterproof. Anyone think these are necessary for the ATU outdoor side?
When using normal coax, what have others done with the threaded coax connection port on the ATU? I am trying to keep it good, clean, oxidization free....
Notice how dirt and moisture build up on a car parked outdoors even though it didn't rain and there was no dirt storm? It's dirty out there.
Yes, use waterproof outdoor grade stuff everywhere you can.
If a coax connection is going to be outside for a long time and things are not going to change, I use coax-seal. It is quite sticky stuff that forms a seal to keep water out. The important thing to remember is it is very sticky, so if you ever need to remove it, it is best to plan ahead.
When I attach a coax to something outside, first I wrap the connection in electrical tape, then I wrap that in coax-seal. The coax seal keeps the water out and the electrical tape keeps the coax seal from getting stuck on everything.
So in the case of the ATU, start about an inch below the F-connector at the end of your coax, and wrap electrical tape with ½ overlap between wraps all the way up the F-terminal on the ATU, with a few wraps with a right angle in them sealing the ATU’s plastic to the tape wrapped on the terminal, connector, and coax. Then ½” below where you started wrapping the cable with tape, wrap the cable with coax-seal. Wrap the coax seal all the way up to the ATU and make sure the coax seal is firmly in contact against the ATU plastic. Then press all the coax-seal together so it fuses to itself. This may be overkill, but if the ATU is going to be in place for a long time, it will keep moisture from sneaking in near the F-terminal. (The water tightness in the construction of the rest of the ATU is questionable, further sealing of the ATU may be required).
You can use duct seal compound to protect connectors/connections. This is a waxy putty available from hardware stores. It comes in a 1 lb brick for a few $$. Unlike coax seal this putty is not very sticky and after many years service it can be cleanly removed. No need to wrap the connection with electrical tape which can leave goo behind.
To use, break off a gumball sized piece, flatten it, and wrap this around the connector and coax. Press it tight and you are done. It is easy to remove and change as needed.
Neil
Thanks @radio8z!
How bad is the coax-seal product? I order a roll of it to test, but also going to try to locate duct seal locally.
Working on a bunch of outdoor stuff right now, so bulk work and ordering to make sure everything is weatherized.
I think the generic name for coax seal is Dum Dum tape.