Re: [amsat-bb] duplexer used as a filter
Resist any temptation to seal up every crack and crevice of the diplexer.
be sure to leave a weep hole or a small gap perhaps where your cables come in through the bottom so moisture can escape.
Cannot agree with the above enough... You NEVER want to try and seal it up completely; mostly because you can't. (the block of epoxy being the exception) Warm day, heat beating down on it, cool rain comes, case temperature drops quickly, air inside will condense and suck a hole in your weather seal. Now you have moist air trapped inside... no weep holes. It's the same reason you never seal both ends of hollow feedline.
Are you thinking of using preamps? Then I want to suggest you try TWO diplexers... one on each feedline before the preamps. The 'unused port' on each can be capped with a simple antenna connector and a 50 ohm 1/4 watt resistor across it. Now, need room for all that? How about a tactical gear case...
I've found the black cases from MCM electronics (~$25) and antenna brackets at the hardware store (~$5):
http://kb5wia.blogspot.com/2011/01/satellite-antennas-again.html
http://n4ufosat.blogspot.com/2014/11/finally-got-nice-day-without-too-much.h...
It's just a suggestion... your mileage may vary, batteries not included, attempt at your own risk. =^)
73, Kevin N4UFO
If you have a preamp in the same "enclosure" then try to keep it powered 24/7...this certainly helps reduce the condensation risk, and, as has been said before - always have a small drain hole at the lowest point of the whole thing!
73
Graham G3VZV -----Original Message----- From: Kevin M via AMSAT-BB Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2015 9:05 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] duplexer used as a filter
Resist any temptation to seal up every crack and crevice of the diplexer.
be sure to leave a weep hole or a small gap perhaps where your cables come in through the bottom so moisture can escape.
Cannot agree with the above enough... You NEVER want to try and seal it up completely; mostly because you can't. (the block of epoxy being the exception) Warm day, heat beating down on it, cool rain comes, case temperature drops quickly, air inside will condense and suck a hole in your weather seal. Now you have moist air trapped inside... no weep holes. It's the same reason you never seal both ends of hollow feedline.
Are you thinking of using preamps? Then I want to suggest you try TWO diplexers... one on each feedline before the preamps. The 'unused port' on each can be capped with a simple antenna connector and a 50 ohm 1/4 watt resistor across it. Now, need room for all that? How about a tactical gear case...
I've found the black cases from MCM electronics (~$25) and antenna brackets at the hardware store (~$5):
http://kb5wia.blogspot.com/2011/01/satellite-antennas-again.html
http://n4ufosat.blogspot.com/2014/11/finally-got-nice-day-without-too-much.h...
It's just a suggestion... your mileage may vary, batteries not included, attempt at your own risk. =^)
73, Kevin N4UFO
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For waterproofing I normally use IP67 rated boxes. If you make any holes in one, all connectors need to be IP67 rated and used within their specifications for cables.
I normally use M20 electrical cable compression glands for the coax, but the connector needs to be fitted after putting through the gland. Always make any holes in the bottom as suggested to stop water running downwards along the cable
Two other ideas to stop condensation. One is to totally airtight seal the box and use desiccant. This absorbs moisture in the air, however if air EVER gets in again, the desiccant will soak up completely then re-release the moisture again. The trick is to replace the desiccant every time you open the box. Just keep a spare one in a hot place like on top of a water heater. Some change colour from white to blue to indicate if they are full or not. Heating them for example in an oven removes the moisture and allows them to re-absorb next time. This is a method used regularly in double glazing. The desiccant is placed in the frames of the window normally behind an aluminum edging with holes in it. The inside of the window stays condensation free until there is a break in the outer edge and the desiccant fills up.
Another method to stop condensation is to heat the inside of the box continuously. If it is a pre-amp with a voltage regulator then leave it powered up 24/7 and the wasted heat should keep any moisture airborne, although depending on the location you may want resistors or other wasteful heaters to keep the internal temperature always above ambient outside temperature. A similar thing is done in large security cameras to stop the glass from ever fogging up. Similar to a rear window heater on a car.
A lot of amateur outdoor equipment use low quality cases and waterproofing. I found a barrel type PL259 connector can be good at stopping one damaged cable from allowing water to feed down a long coax cable and damaging an entire length of cable. Where possible solder or remove all connections/connectors so even a little corrosion won't matter.
Using an IP67 case with a transparent lid is a good way to see if water is gathering inside or if condensation is forming. Having an LED on power inputs showing through a clear case is useful to show it is powered up or the heater is working. Cheap kitchen containers are not designed for outdoor use and the plastics crack under UV light.
participants (3)
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Daniel Cussen
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Graham Shirville
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Kevin M