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Thread ID: 115964 2011-02-11 21:46:00 Freeview Installation - Weatherproofing Oubadah (16155) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1177234 2011-02-11 21:46:00 I'm about to install a multi room Freeview system in my house that consists of a UHF aerial, masthead amp, 6 way splitter, RG6 cable, PDL wall plates etc.

All terminations up to the wall plates are made with hex crimp F-Type connectors. These are already 'gel filled'.

So I'm wondering how best to weatherproof the outdoor components/connections (ie. aerial and masthead amp).

Starting with the aerial, it has a little terminal box containing a PCB which takes the output from the aerial and converts it to an F-Type connector. This plastic box is designed to keep out rain, but it's hardly moisture proof. Should I seal the box up completely airtight with wet area silicone sealant (bathroom grade), or should I just smear silicone grease over the internal metal parts and PCB?

The masthead amp is housed in a similar plastic box. What measures should I take to weatherproof that?

And then there are the outdoor f-type terminations. As I said, the backs of the crimp connectors are gel filled, but I've been told to put silicone grease into the plugs/sockets before screwing them closed. I've also been told to wrap the F-Type terminations with self amalgamating tape. Should I grease and tape each connection?

i.imgur.com

Also, I wonder about the silicone grease... It's not supposed to be electrically conductive, otherwise they wouldn't suggest putting it in the connectors (shorting), but then is it going to compromise the connections themselves (ie. you'll end up with a very fine layer of it between metal contacts)?

Thanks.
Oubadah (16155)
1177235 2011-02-11 22:15:00 Just buy some silicon gel.
:)
Trev (427)
1177236 2011-02-12 00:48:00 Just buy some silicon gel.
:)

Where exactly do I put it? In the F-Type connectors before I screw them shut? I'm just concerned that it'll change the impedence of the connection or maybe prevent continuity altogether?
Oubadah (16155)
1177237 2011-02-12 01:07:00 I haven't done this before, but I would imagine lining the inside of the box (as opposed to smearing the components with the grease stuff, because I'd think that would be quite fiddly to do) with silicon sealer where the plastic pieces on the box (I assume this is the case) fit together would be your best bet. mookster1 (15854)
1177238 2011-02-12 02:20:00 I imagine putting silicone or anything like that in the threads of the connectors woudl simply mean they're easy to disconnect. Trying to unscrew rusty connectors is annoying as hell. 8ftmetalhaed (14526)
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