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Weatherproof procedures
Cable connections become loose over time due to vibration. Loose connections
let moisture contact and erode the interface to a connector. To avoid
performance problems due to moisture damage, Firetide recommends that you
use butyl mastic and electrical tape or silicone tape to make all outdoor
connections weatherproof.
The next picture shows correctly weatherproofed connectors on a HotPort 7020
mesh node with a sun shield.
Antenna with
weatherproof connector
Weatherproof
connectors
Mesh node with sun shield
Best practice:
You can use colored tape for easy identification of the connectors
from the mesh node to the antenna.
Butyl mastic is a synthetic rubber sealant that you can use to make a connection
weatherproof. It is slightly sticky and stays flexible; it bonds to itself to make a
good seal. Butyl mastic and a layer of electrical tape keeps the cable assembly
clean, dry, and easy to change in the future.
Note:
To make a strong watertight connection, keep a high level of tension in the
butyl mastic when you stretch it over the cable and connector.
