Proper application of dielectric grease?

[bhelms]

Hello all! In my continuing saga of OTA antenna (non)performance, I'm trying to eliminate variables. Quick recap - I temporarily installed a CM4228 with a CM7777 preamp at about 32' height. It seemed to work OK to receive Ch 23 (24.1) in which I'm particularly interested. There are other channels in the plan as well. I finally completed the permanent installation in which I went to 35' height and moved over about 8' from the temp. location. Long story short - I again have no results on ch 24 (all subs). So something is "different" from the working temporary installation. I'm trying to eliminate (explain away) all the variables one by one, and there are several besides the height and lateral distance.

One variable, I used "dielectric grease" in the final installation whereas I did not use any in the temp. installation. What are the limitations of this grease? It's a product I purchased at a local auto parts store. I applied it rather liberally all over the 300-ohm terminals on the antenna itself and the F connector sockets on the preamp. and the balun before installing the male connectors. (All are compression fittings with weather boots.) Is it OK for that grease to "bridge" the conductors in the coax connections? Will that impair performance at about 530MHz? I'm sure I applied enough grease that it is all over those connections.

I do receive several channels quite well with this set-up. But the performance on Ch 24 is currently too poor for the digital signals to lock. The adjacent analog ch 23 (co-located with ch 24) comes in poorly, about the same as I had with my old VHF/UHF installation. Any advice on the grease or other ideas would be appreciated!

Here's a link to the exact product I used:

http://www.autoaccessconnect.com/peditugr0oz.html

TIA and BRgds...!

 

[Rick0725]

I use the exact same grease ...never had a problem.

I fill the coax fitting and screw it on.

do not have a clue without being there what your issue is.

 

[bhelms]

I use the exact same grease ...never had a problem.

I fill the coax fitting and screw it on.

do not have a clue without being there what your issue is.

Rick - Once again, tks for your reply! I did about the same with the grease and I don't think it degrades anything, at least not up to these mid UHF frequencies.

Good news! In a real "D'Oh" moment, I discovered that I had transposed my true and magnetic headings, so the only issue was that the antenna was pointed off by about 10 deg. from where I thought it needed to go. Some reaiming via the rotator "solved" the problem! I was receiving Ch 23 HD (actual 24.1) rock solid all last evening! That was with the tuner in the Sony TV only.

I still have more experimenting to do including seeing how the 811 and 622 perform with this antenna, and I can use the "meter" in either of those units to find the "sweet spot" for Ch 23 and try to lock the others I'm trying to receive. So I have some substantial work to do before I declare "success", but I think I'm finally seeing the end of the tunnel with this project.

Once I have the definitive word I'll post a recap with some pictures. Right now it's the 4228 at 35', 7777 preamp, 9521 rotator, Belden 1189A QS to the PS and distribution point (no split yet). I still need to get it properly grounded (ran 6ga copper all the way down) but that shouldn't be a real risk factor this time of year. Besides the soil is freezing now and it will be difficult to drive the ground rod in. (The system will also be bonded to the house electrical system.) Otherwise the system is in its permanent position, guy wires all secured, etc. and should survive the winter before I have to adjust anything.

I've invested almost $480 in this system! My reputation is on the line, especially with the S.O.

More to follow...