I have been aligning my BUD and yesterday, I went to install my signal meter and in the coax lead at the base of my mount post. The first thing I noticed as the copper center lead was dark brown not shiny like it new anymore. New cable, only in service a couple weeks.
Then I noticed the normally white center insulator, down inside the connector was now black. I also noticed a trace of moisture)
I had put dielectric sealant in/on the connectors at the LNBs but since the cable run to the house was only temperary, I neglected to do those at the base. Being in WA we have had several inches of rain in the past week.
I'm no expert but I would have to conclude that the blackening on the insulation end was due to some RF arching. Just my guess and choice of terms.
I have now, cleaned the inside of the connectors with a Q-tip and used dielectric grease on all of them. Eventually, all of the outside connectors will be inside a weather proof closure.
I didn't notice any significient change in signal quality though.
If All Else Fails, Read and Head Instructions (warnings)
Steve
Then I noticed the normally white center insulator, down inside the connector was now black. I also noticed a trace of moisture)
I had put dielectric sealant in/on the connectors at the LNBs but since the cable run to the house was only temperary, I neglected to do those at the base. Being in WA we have had several inches of rain in the past week.
I'm no expert but I would have to conclude that the blackening on the insulation end was due to some RF arching. Just my guess and choice of terms.
I have now, cleaned the inside of the connectors with a Q-tip and used dielectric grease on all of them. Eventually, all of the outside connectors will be inside a weather proof closure.
I didn't notice any significient change in signal quality though.
If All Else Fails, Read and Head Instructions (warnings)
Steve