Using Heat Shrink Tubing on connectors and splices.
Unfortunately I do not have any links in yet to show these photos in a larger size. At least there is a link back to my home page.
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| The two sizes of 3M "flooded" heat shrink tubing.(800 and 400) | A piece of 3M 800 tubing unshrunk, a N type splice that has been removed and and N connector with heat shrink tubing applied. |
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| The Times Wire N connector kit for LMR 400 using a 3" piece of flooded heat shrink tube. | A completed Times Wire N connector with heat shrink tubing applied. |
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| To make a splice: First slide a length of 3M 800 tubing over one of the connectors. |
Ready to install the barrel connector |
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| After connecting both connectors to the barrel connector slide the tubing over the assembly. My thumb nail marks where the end of the tube should be placed. There should be from 1 to 1 1/2 inches of tube past the end of the connector on each side of the splice. Start heating at the center of the splice and work outward first one direction and then the other. This prevents trapping air in the center . |
The view of an "N" splice after removing the type 3M .800 flooded heat shrink tubing that had been up for two years. Note a little glue still on the cable jacket but the connectors are relatively clean. |
As an added note: With the connector kits I carefully shrink the tubing down just behind the collar, let it cool a bit and then work back onto the coax heating it just enough to shrink the tube. This will also melt the hot glue on the inside of the tubing. Too much heat, or taking too long to shrink the tubing can melt the dielectric in the coax.
Photography by Roger Halstead
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