Yup... Seemed logical and prudent to install with the connectors pointed down (the so239 connectors are pretty leaky) so that is how it was.
DaveR
?
|
Page 9 of the RT-100 manual clearly says and shows the installed RT-100 mounted with the connectors down. Water and other stuff flows downhill.? I've had my RT-100 installed for 4 yrs now in southern Michigan with no adverse effects. I did have it shutdown for a few days during -10F weather, but it came back online as the temps rose.? I use it with a 31' vertical, it tunes to 1.7: 1 or better, 160m - 6m. I use it daily. What's not to like.
Rick K8BMA
|
Just as a suggestion only, I would mount the RT100 with the connectors pointing down if possible.
May, or may not, keep any moisture from pooling near the connectors.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
For what it’s worth here’s what I did. ?At antenna base is balun, surge supressor and tuner. ?I’m handicapped so it’s hard to do neat antenna work. ?I covered the whole thing with inverted planter which also holds flagpole lights.
?1.3 or better 40-6. ?Antenna is Greyline 24 foot offset dipole flagpole. ?HO A loves it.
On Apr 20, 2025, at 8:17?PM, David Hamm via groups.io <cs30imagine@...> wrote:
?
I’m in Downtown Hampton, near the HYC!
Open and inspect regularly!
Dave WA4WX
HR, VA residents know.. Wife used to go to Willoughby Spit as a kid
73 N2MHS
On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 12:25:21 PM EDT, Joe KE0FF <joeh@...> wrote:
What you describe is “potted”. Confirmal coat is generally quite thin and clear.
On Sun, Apr 20, 2025 at 08:23 Charlie N2MHS via ?<ucfargis1= [email protected]> wrote:
A guy once gave me conformal coated over the air subscription TV box to reverse engineer
I could see the board edge throught the coating
I whacked it using a tiney Excelite flat blade screwdriver as a chisel.
Bing chunks flew off.
Easily figured it out, ground off a control path and it decoded all the time.
Poor design.
On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 08:42:39 AM EDT, David Hamm via ?<cs30imagine= [email protected]> wrote:
On conformal coatings….
This process is normally used in critical Military gear, although not in the latest generation of COTS equipment.
It renders any repair much more difficult.? Careful removal is required using special solvents, and any residual coating will complicate soldering with quality.? Then, one would have to repair or “re-coat” with an identical coating to complete.
It also complicates determining component values and obscures their marking.
If this inexpensive device was designed to be submersible, a different watertight enclosure would be warranted.? In short, driving up costs and rendering the device disposable after failure.
In understanding any design at this point, we must consider cost.? That is how the world operates now.? Design centers around a price point.? Secondary environmental protection is good, using inexpensive plastic items of all sorts.
Can’t speak to the lack of a weep hole, but easily fixed with a small drill bit.? Not too large, or you will find the item filled with ants or other insects.
Dave WA4WX
After the warranty has expired, how about coating both sides of the PCB with conformal coating?
John
VE7KKQ
Speaking of conformal coating,?
wow, lots to unpack there.?
Before I put out another 3 remote antenna couplers this year I want to further understand these coatings.
Separate thread discussion anyone??
Mark kx8xx ??
-------- Original message --------
Date: 4/18/25 17:58 (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE
I don't want this issue to reappear.
?
I am not sure how water got in... I have the equipment securely mounted on the side of a sturdy post, with its connections pointing downward to prevent any potential water ingress. Despite the absence of flooding, the weather was particularly harsh, characterized
by heavy rain and fierce winds.?
?
Inside the unit, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of a conformal coating—a vital protective layer I deem essential for any equipment expected to endure the punishing elements. While the utility case appeared reasonably well-sealed, the lack of this
protective feature raised concerns about the device's long-term durability. Furthermore, I noticed the absence of other elements, such as a weep-hole to help keep humidity buildup in check.
|
In 1972-1974 I used to line there while in the Navy.
W4JDY
? Right off Ocean View drive facing the Chesapeake Bay. ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Charlie N2MHS via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2025 5:50 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE? HR, VA residents know.. Wife used to go to Willoughby Spit as a kid On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 12:25:21 PM EDT, Joe KE0FF <joeh@...> wrote: What you describe is “potted”. Confirmal coat is generally quite thin and clear. ? A guy once gave me conformal coated over the air subscription TV box to reverse engineer I could see the board edge throught the coating I whacked it using a tiney Excelite flat blade screwdriver as a chisel. Easily figured it out, ground off a control path and it decoded all the time. On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 08:42:39 AM EDT, David Hamm via <cs30imagine=[email protected]> wrote: This process is normally used in critical Military gear, although not in the latest generation of COTS equipment. It renders any repair much more difficult.? Careful removal is required using special solvents, and any residual coating will complicate soldering with quality.? Then, one would have to repair or “re-coat” with an identical coating to complete. It also complicates determining component values and obscures their marking. If this inexpensive device was designed to be submersible, a different watertight enclosure would be warranted.? In short, driving up costs and rendering the device disposable after failure. In understanding any design at this point, we must consider cost.? That is how the world operates now.? Design centers around a price point.? Secondary environmental protection is good, using inexpensive plastic items of all sorts. Can’t speak to the lack of a weep hole, but easily fixed with a small drill bit.? Not too large, or you will find the item filled with ants or other insects. After the warranty has expired, how about coating both sides of the PCB with conformal coating? Speaking of conformal coating,? wow, lots to unpack there.? Before I put out another 3 remote antenna couplers this year I want to further understand these coatings. Separate thread discussion anyone?? -------- Original message -------- Date: 4/18/25 17:58 (GMT-05:00) Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE I don't want this issue to reappear. I am not sure how water got in... I have the equipment securely mounted on the side of a sturdy post, with its connections pointing downward to prevent any potential water ingress. Despite the absence of flooding, the weather was particularly harsh, characterized by heavy rain and fierce winds.? Inside the unit, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of a conformal coating—a vital protective layer I deem essential for any equipment expected to endure the punishing elements. While the utility case appeared reasonably well-sealed, the lack of this protective feature raised concerns about the device's long-term durability. Furthermore, I noticed the absence of other elements, such as a weep-hole to help keep humidity buildup in check.
|
For what it’s worth here’s what I did. ?At antenna base is balun, surge supressor and tuner. ?I’m handicapped so it’s hard to do neat antenna work. ?I covered the whole thing with inverted planter which also holds flagpole lights. ?1.3 or better 40-6. ?Antenna is Greyline 24 foot offset dipole flagpole. ?HO A loves it.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 20, 2025, at 8:17?PM, David Hamm via groups.io <cs30imagine@...> wrote:
?
I’m in Downtown Hampton, near the HYC!
Open and inspect regularly!
Dave WA4WX
HR, VA residents know.. Wife used to go to Willoughby Spit as a kid
73 N2MHS
On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 12:25:21 PM EDT, Joe KE0FF <joeh@...> wrote:
What you describe is “potted”. Confirmal coat is generally quite thin and clear.
On Sun, Apr 20, 2025 at 08:23 Charlie N2MHS via
?<ucfargis1= [email protected]> wrote:
A guy once gave me conformal coated over the air subscription TV box to reverse engineer
I could see the board edge throught the coating
I whacked it using a tiney Excelite flat blade screwdriver as a chisel.
Bing chunks flew off.
Easily figured it out, ground off a control path and it decoded all the time.
Poor design.
On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 08:42:39 AM EDT, David Hamm via ?<cs30imagine= [email protected]> wrote:
On conformal coatings….
This process is normally used in critical Military gear, although not in the latest generation of COTS equipment.
It renders any repair much more difficult.? Careful removal is required using special solvents, and any residual coating will complicate soldering with quality.? Then, one would have to repair or “re-coat” with an identical coating to complete.
It also complicates determining component values and obscures their marking.
If this inexpensive device was designed to be submersible, a different watertight enclosure would be warranted.? In short, driving up costs and rendering the device disposable after failure.
In understanding any design at this point, we must consider cost.? That is how the world operates now.? Design centers around a price point.? Secondary environmental protection is good, using inexpensive plastic items of all sorts.
Can’t speak to the lack of a weep hole, but easily fixed with a small drill bit.? Not too large, or you will find the item filled with ants or other insects.
Dave WA4WX
After the warranty has expired, how about coating both sides of the PCB with conformal coating?
John
VE7KKQ
Speaking of conformal coating,?
wow, lots to unpack there.?
Before I put out another 3 remote antenna couplers this year I want to further understand these coatings.
Separate thread discussion anyone??
Mark kx8xx ??
-------- Original message --------
Date: 4/18/25 17:58 (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE
I don't want this issue to reappear.
?
I am not sure how water got in... I have the equipment securely mounted on the side of a sturdy post, with its connections pointing downward to prevent any potential water ingress. Despite the absence of flooding, the weather was particularly harsh, characterized
by heavy rain and fierce winds.?
?
Inside the unit, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of a conformal coating—a vital protective layer I deem essential for any equipment expected to endure the punishing elements. While the utility case appeared reasonably well-sealed, the lack of this
protective feature raised concerns about the device's long-term durability. Furthermore, I noticed the absence of other elements, such as a weep-hole to help keep humidity buildup in check.
|
I’m in Downtown Hampton, near the HYC!
Open and inspect regularly!
Dave WA4WX
HR, VA residents know.. Wife used to go to Willoughby Spit as a kid
73 N2MHS
On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 12:25:21 PM EDT, Joe KE0FF <joeh@...> wrote:
What you describe is “potted”. Confirmal coat is generally quite thin and clear.
On Sun, Apr 20, 2025 at 08:23 Charlie N2MHS via
?<ucfargis1= [email protected]> wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
A guy once gave me conformal coated over the air subscription TV box to reverse engineer
I could see the board edge throught the coating
I whacked it using a tiney Excelite flat blade screwdriver as a chisel.
Bing chunks flew off.
Easily figured it out, ground off a control path and it decoded all the time.
Poor design.
On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 08:42:39 AM EDT, David Hamm via ?<cs30imagine= [email protected]> wrote:
On conformal coatings….
This process is normally used in critical Military gear, although not in the latest generation of COTS equipment.
It renders any repair much more difficult.? Careful removal is required using special solvents, and any residual coating will complicate soldering with quality.? Then, one would have to repair or “re-coat” with an identical coating to complete.
It also complicates determining component values and obscures their marking.
If this inexpensive device was designed to be submersible, a different watertight enclosure would be warranted.? In short, driving up costs and rendering the device disposable after failure.
In understanding any design at this point, we must consider cost.? That is how the world operates now.? Design centers around a price point.? Secondary environmental protection is good, using inexpensive plastic items of all sorts.
Can’t speak to the lack of a weep hole, but easily fixed with a small drill bit.? Not too large, or you will find the item filled with ants or other insects.
Dave WA4WX
After the warranty has expired, how about coating both sides of the PCB with conformal coating?
John
VE7KKQ
Speaking of conformal coating,?
wow, lots to unpack there.?
Before I put out another 3 remote antenna couplers this year I want to further understand these coatings.
Separate thread discussion anyone??
Mark kx8xx ??
-------- Original message --------
Date: 4/18/25 17:58 (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE
I don't want this issue to reappear.
?
I am not sure how water got in... I have the equipment securely mounted on the side of a sturdy post, with its connections pointing downward to prevent any potential water ingress. Despite the absence of flooding, the weather was particularly harsh, characterized
by heavy rain and fierce winds.?
?
Inside the unit, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of a conformal coating—a vital protective layer I deem essential for any equipment expected to endure the punishing elements. While the utility case appeared reasonably well-sealed, the lack of this
protective feature raised concerns about the device's long-term durability. Furthermore, I noticed the absence of other elements, such as a weep-hole to help keep humidity buildup in check.
|
HR, VA residents know.. Wife used to go to Willoughby Spit as a kid 73 N2MHS
On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 12:25:21 PM EDT, Joe KE0FF <joeh@...> wrote:
What you describe is “potted”. Confirmal coat is generally quite thin and clear.
A guy once gave me conformal coated over the air subscription TV box to reverse engineer I could see the board edge throught the coating I whacked it using a tiney Excelite flat blade screwdriver as a chisel. Bing chunks flew off. Easily figured it out, ground off a control path and it decoded all the time. Poor design.
On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 08:42:39 AM EDT, David Hamm via <cs30imagine= [email protected]> wrote:
On conformal coatings….
This process is normally used in critical Military gear, although not in the latest generation of COTS equipment.
It renders any repair much more difficult.? Careful removal is required using special solvents, and any residual coating will complicate soldering with quality.? Then, one would have to repair or “re-coat” with an identical coating to complete.
It also complicates determining component values and obscures their marking.
If this inexpensive device was designed to be submersible, a different watertight enclosure would be warranted.? In short, driving up costs and rendering the device disposable after failure.
In understanding any design at this point, we must consider cost.? That is how the world operates now.? Design centers around a price point.? Secondary environmental protection is good, using inexpensive plastic items of all sorts.
Can’t speak to the lack of a weep hole, but easily fixed with a small drill bit.? Not too large, or you will find the item filled with ants or other insects.
Dave WA4WX
After the warranty has expired, how about coating both sides of the PCB with conformal coating?
John
VE7KKQ
Speaking of conformal coating,?
wow, lots to unpack there.?
Before I put out another 3 remote antenna couplers this year I want to further understand these coatings.
Separate thread discussion anyone??
Mark kx8xx ??
-------- Original message --------
Date: 4/18/25 17:58 (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE
I don't want this issue to reappear.
?
I am not sure how water got in... I have the equipment securely mounted on the side of a sturdy post, with its connections pointing downward to prevent any potential water ingress. Despite the absence of flooding, the weather
was particularly harsh, characterized by heavy rain and fierce winds.?
?
Inside the unit, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of a conformal coating—a vital protective layer I deem essential for any equipment expected to endure the punishing elements. While the utility case appeared reasonably
well-sealed, the lack of this protective feature raised concerns about the device's long-term durability. Furthermore, I noticed the absence of other elements, such as a weep-hole to help keep humidity buildup in check.
|
What you describe is “potted”. Confirmal coat is generally quite thin and clear.
A guy once gave me conformal coated over the air subscription TV box to reverse engineer I could see the board edge throught the coating I whacked it using a tiney Excelite flat blade screwdriver as a chisel. Bing chunks flew off. Easily figured it out, ground off a control path and it decoded all the time. Poor design.
On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 08:42:39 AM EDT, David Hamm via <cs30imagine= [email protected]> wrote:
On conformal coatings….
This process is normally used in critical Military gear, although not in the latest generation of COTS equipment.
It renders any repair much more difficult.? Careful removal is required using special solvents, and any residual coating will complicate soldering with quality.? Then, one would have to repair or “re-coat” with an identical coating to complete.
It also complicates determining component values and obscures their marking.
If this inexpensive device was designed to be submersible, a different watertight enclosure would be warranted.? In short, driving up costs and rendering the device disposable after failure.
In understanding any design at this point, we must consider cost.? That is how the world operates now.? Design centers around a price point.? Secondary environmental protection is good, using inexpensive plastic items of all sorts.
Can’t speak to the lack of a weep hole, but easily fixed with a small drill bit.? Not too large, or you will find the item filled with ants or other insects.
Dave WA4WX
After the warranty has expired, how about coating both sides of the PCB with conformal coating?
John
VE7KKQ
Speaking of conformal coating,?
wow, lots to unpack there.?
Before I put out another 3 remote antenna couplers this year I want to further understand these coatings.
Separate thread discussion anyone??
Mark kx8xx ??
-------- Original message --------
Date: 4/18/25 17:58 (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE
I don't want this issue to reappear.
?
I am not sure how water got in... I have the equipment securely mounted on the side of a sturdy post, with its connections pointing downward to prevent any potential water ingress. Despite the absence of flooding, the weather
was particularly harsh, characterized by heavy rain and fierce winds.?
?
Inside the unit, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of a conformal coating—a vital protective layer I deem essential for any equipment expected to endure the punishing elements. While the utility case appeared reasonably
well-sealed, the lack of this protective feature raised concerns about the device's long-term durability. Furthermore, I noticed the absence of other elements, such as a weep-hole to help keep humidity buildup in check.
|
Any conformal coating I've seen is transparent and removed with an orange stick and hot air, this was on a multi layer circuit board, no damage was done to the cct brd because the tech was trained in high reliability soldering/desoldering techniques and skilled in this type of repair It was just a suggestion. I had a SGC-237 mounted horizontally on the radial plate of my vertical at one QTH, I placed a plastic wash basin over it to keep the driving rain and snow off the coupler, the coupler worked for over five years, then sold it. So the bucket may be the best solution, make sure the bucket is of a very bright and cheerful colour.
John VE7KKQ
On Sun, Apr 20, 2025 at 7:38?AM David Hamm via <cs30imagine= [email protected]> wrote:
Hey Charlie,
In a commercially produced item, it was probably implemented to preclude you from doing exactly what you were doing. ??
Mil - Spec coating would not chip off in bits; No better word to use, it is dry but not brittle, sort of a semi-cured coating which is a certified
B!tch?to remove.
Dave WA4WX
A guy once gave me conformal coated over the air subscription TV box to reverse engineer
I could see the board edge throught the coating
I whacked it using a tiney Excelite flat blade screwdriver as a chisel.
Bing chunks flew off.
Easily figured it out, ground off a control path and it decoded all the time.
Poor design.
On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 08:42:39 AM EDT, David Hamm via <cs30imagine= [email protected]> wrote:
On conformal coatings….
This process is normally used in critical Military gear, although not in the latest generation of COTS equipment.
It renders any repair much more difficult.? Careful removal is required using special solvents, and any residual coating will complicate soldering with quality.? Then, one would have to repair or “re-coat” with an identical coating to complete.
It also complicates determining component values and obscures their marking.
If this inexpensive device was designed to be submersible, a different watertight enclosure would be warranted.? In short, driving up costs and rendering the device disposable after failure.
In understanding any design at this point, we must consider cost.? That is how the world operates now.? Design centers around a price point.? Secondary environmental protection is good, using inexpensive plastic items of all sorts.
Can’t speak to the lack of a weep hole, but easily fixed with a small drill bit.? Not too large, or you will find the item filled with ants or other insects.
Dave WA4WX
After the warranty has expired, how about coating both sides of the PCB with conformal coating?
John
VE7KKQ
Speaking of conformal coating,?
wow, lots to unpack there.?
Before I put out another 3 remote antenna couplers this year I want to further understand these coatings.
Separate thread discussion anyone??
Mark kx8xx ??
-------- Original message --------
Date: 4/18/25 17:58 (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE
I don't want this issue to reappear.
?
I am not sure how water got in... I have the equipment securely mounted on the side of a sturdy post, with its connections pointing downward to prevent any potential water ingress. Despite the absence of flooding,
the weather was particularly harsh, characterized by heavy rain and fierce winds.?
?
Inside the unit, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of a conformal coating—a vital protective layer I deem essential for any equipment expected to endure the punishing elements. While the utility case appeared
reasonably well-sealed, the lack of this protective feature raised concerns about the device's long-term durability. Furthermore, I noticed the absence of other elements, such as a weep-hole to help keep humidity buildup in check.
|
Hey Charlie,
In a commercially produced item, it was probably implemented to preclude you from doing exactly what you were doing. ??
Mil - Spec coating would not chip off in bits; No better word to use, it is dry but not brittle, sort of a semi-cured coating which is a certified
B!tch?to remove.
Dave WA4WX
A guy once gave me conformal coated over the air subscription TV box to reverse engineer
I could see the board edge throught the coating
I whacked it using a tiney Excelite flat blade screwdriver as a chisel.
Bing chunks flew off.
Easily figured it out, ground off a control path and it decoded all the time.
Poor design.
On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 08:42:39 AM EDT, David Hamm via groups.io <cs30imagine@...> wrote:
On conformal coatings….
This process is normally used in critical Military gear, although not in the latest generation of COTS equipment.
It renders any repair much more difficult. ?Careful removal is required using special solvents, and any residual coating will complicate soldering with quality. ?Then, one would have to repair or “re-coat” with an identical coating to complete.
It also complicates determining component values and obscures their marking.
If this inexpensive device was designed to be submersible, a different watertight enclosure would be warranted. ?In short, driving up costs and rendering the device disposable after failure.
In understanding any design at this point, we must consider cost. ?That is how the world operates now. ?Design centers around a price point. ?Secondary environmental protection is good, using inexpensive plastic items of all sorts.
Can’t speak to the lack of a weep hole, but easily fixed with a small drill bit. ?Not too large, or you will find the item filled with ants or other insects.
Dave WA4WX
After the warranty has expired, how about coating both sides of the PCB with conformal coating?
John
VE7KKQ
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Speaking of conformal coating,?
wow, lots to unpack there.?
Before I put out another 3 remote antenna couplers this year I want to further understand these coatings.
Separate thread discussion anyone??
Mark kx8xx ??
-------- Original message --------
Date: 4/18/25 17:58 (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE
I don't want this issue to reappear.
?
I am not sure how water got in... I have the equipment securely mounted on the side of a sturdy post, with its connections pointing downward to prevent any potential water ingress. Despite the absence of flooding,
the weather was particularly harsh, characterized by heavy rain and fierce winds.?
?
Inside the unit, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of a conformal coating—a vital protective layer I deem essential for any equipment expected to endure the punishing elements. While the utility case appeared
reasonably well-sealed, the lack of this protective feature raised concerns about the device's long-term durability. Furthermore, I noticed the absence of other elements, such as a weep-hole to help keep humidity buildup in check.
|
A guy once gave me conformal coated over the air subscription TV box to reverse engineer I could see the board edge throught the coating I whacked it using a tiney Excelite flat blade screwdriver as a chisel. Bing chunks flew off. Easily figured it out, ground off a control path and it decoded all the time. Poor design.
On Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 08:42:39 AM EDT, David Hamm via groups.io <cs30imagine@...> wrote:
On conformal coatings….
This process is normally used in critical Military gear, although not in the latest generation of COTS equipment.
It renders any repair much more difficult. ?Careful removal is required using special solvents, and any residual coating will complicate soldering with quality. ?Then, one would have to repair or “re-coat” with an identical coating to complete.
It also complicates determining component values and obscures their marking.
If this inexpensive device was designed to be submersible, a different watertight enclosure would be warranted. ?In short, driving up costs and rendering the device disposable after failure.
In understanding any design at this point, we must consider cost. ?That is how the world operates now. ?Design centers around a price point. ?Secondary environmental protection is good, using inexpensive plastic items of all sorts.
Can’t speak to the lack of a weep hole, but easily fixed with a small drill bit. ?Not too large, or you will find the item filled with ants or other insects.
Dave WA4WX
After the warranty has expired, how about coating both sides of the PCB with conformal coating?
John
VE7KKQ
Speaking of conformal coating,?
wow, lots to unpack there.?
Before I put out another 3 remote antenna couplers this year I want to further understand these coatings.
Separate thread discussion anyone??
Mark kx8xx ??
-------- Original message --------
Date: 4/18/25 17:58 (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE
I don't want this issue to reappear.
?
I am not sure how water got in... I have the equipment securely mounted on the side of a sturdy post, with its connections pointing downward to prevent any potential water ingress. Despite the absence of flooding, the weather
was particularly harsh, characterized by heavy rain and fierce winds.?
?
Inside the unit, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of a conformal coating—a vital protective layer I deem essential for any equipment expected to endure the punishing elements. While the utility case appeared reasonably
well-sealed, the lack of this protective feature raised concerns about the device's long-term durability. Furthermore, I noticed the absence of other elements, such as a weep-hole to help keep humidity buildup in check.
|
On conformal coatings….
This process is normally used in critical Military gear, although not in the latest generation of COTS equipment.
It renders any repair much more difficult. ?Careful removal is required using special solvents, and any residual coating will complicate soldering with quality. ?Then, one would have to repair or “re-coat” with an identical coating to complete.
It also complicates determining component values and obscures their marking.
If this inexpensive device was designed to be submersible, a different watertight enclosure would be warranted. ?In short, driving up costs and rendering the device disposable after failure.
In understanding any design at this point, we must consider cost. ?That is how the world operates now. ?Design centers around a price point. ?Secondary environmental protection is good, using inexpensive plastic items of all sorts.
Can’t speak to the lack of a weep hole, but easily fixed with a small drill bit. ?Not too large, or you will find the item filled with ants or other insects.
Dave WA4WX
After the warranty has expired, how about coating both sides of the PCB with conformal coating?
John
VE7KKQ
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Speaking of conformal coating,?
wow, lots to unpack there.?
Before I put out another 3 remote antenna couplers this year I want to further understand these coatings.
Separate thread discussion anyone??
Mark kx8xx ??
-------- Original message --------
Date: 4/18/25 17:58 (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE
I don't want this issue to reappear.
?
I am not sure how water got in... I have the equipment securely mounted on the side of a sturdy post, with its connections pointing downward to prevent any potential water ingress. Despite the absence of flooding, the weather
was particularly harsh, characterized by heavy rain and fierce winds.?
?
Inside the unit, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of a conformal coating—a vital protective layer I deem essential for any equipment expected to endure the punishing elements. While the utility case appeared reasonably
well-sealed, the lack of this protective feature raised concerns about the device's long-term durability. Furthermore, I noticed the absence of other elements, such as a weep-hole to help keep humidity buildup in check.
|
After the warranty has expired, how about coating both sides of the PCB with conformal coating?
John
VE7KKQ
Speaking of conformal coating,?
wow, lots to unpack there.?
Before I put out another 3 remote antenna couplers this year I want to further understand these coatings.
Separate thread discussion anyone??
Mark kx8xx ??
-------- Original message -------- Date: 4/18/25 17:58 (GMT-05:00) Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE
I don't want this issue to reappear.
?
I am not sure how water got in... I have the equipment securely mounted on the side of a sturdy post, with its connections pointing downward to prevent any potential water ingress. Despite the absence of flooding, the weather was particularly harsh, characterized by heavy rain and fierce winds.?
?
Inside the unit, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of a conformal coating—a vital protective layer I deem essential for any equipment expected to endure the punishing elements. While the utility case appeared reasonably well-sealed, the lack of this protective feature raised concerns about the device's long-term durability. Furthermore, I noticed the absence of other elements, such as a weep-hole to help keep humidity buildup in check.
|
Speaking of conformal coating,?
wow, lots to unpack there.?
Before I put out another 3 remote antenna couplers this year I want to further understand these coatings.
Separate thread discussion anyone??
Mark kx8xx ??
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-------- Original message -------- From: "Dave Robinson via groups.io" <kb7gp@...> Date: 4/18/25 17:58 (GMT-05:00) Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE
I don't want this issue to reappear.
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I am not sure how water got in... I have the equipment securely mounted on the side of a sturdy post, with its connections pointing downward to prevent any potential water ingress. Despite the absence of flooding, the weather was particularly harsh, characterized by heavy rain and fierce winds.?
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Inside the unit, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of a conformal coating—a vital protective layer I deem essential for any equipment expected to endure the punishing elements. While the utility case appeared reasonably well-sealed, the lack of this protective feature raised concerns about the device's long-term durability. Furthermore, I noticed the absence of other elements, such as a weep-hole to help keep humidity buildup in check.
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Two things come to mind on moisture ingress. These remotes (I have 2 in service) can be considered outdoor electrical boxes, and subject to the same sealing, heating and cooling effects.
First, I slather the two mounting points with silicon lube on the threads and all over the outside.
Second, the parting line between the cover and the bottom plate slowly opens over time. Another good place for grease.
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Temperature and humidity changes will draw moisture thru the smallest openings. Seems like they never effectively act as drains, though. The tuner's board is up off the bottom but, if water can pool there, it'll hold the interior at high humidity. A non-sealed board and parts will magically become hydrophillic.
If cleaning the visible ares, and not finding signs of corroded off clads, there may be internal damage to the relays.
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I mount mine so that a 5 gallon joint compound bucket can be dropped over the top.
If I were to experience what you did, I stick an electrical box vent and a low weep hole in the housing.
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Mike N3PM
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I don't want this issue to reappear.
?
I am not sure how water got in... I have the equipment securely mounted on the side of a sturdy post, with its connections pointing downward to prevent any potential water ingress. Despite the absence of flooding, the weather was particularly harsh, characterized by heavy rain and fierce winds.?
?
Inside the unit, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of a conformal coating—a vital protective layer I deem essential for any equipment expected to endure the punishing elements. While the utility case appeared reasonably well-sealed, the lack of this protective feature raised concerns about the device's long-term durability. Furthermore, I noticed the absence of other elements, such as a weep-hole to help keep humidity buildup in check.
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Well, if you are inclined technically, I'd carefully re-check all the cleaning you did to be certain you didn't bridge some connection with cleaning residue, a brush bristle or some other foreign object. After that I'd inspect for bad solder connections. I would carefully resolder any joint that even looked questionable.
Alternately, you could send it in for repair. Or you can throw it in the trash.
Any idea how water got in it? Repaired or replaced, avoiding this in the future would be a prime concern.
Vy73 - Mike - KD5KC.
El Paso, Texas - DM61rt.
SOTA W5T-Texas Association Manager.
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-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Dave Robinson via groups.io Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2025 21:46 PM To: [email protected]Subject: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE A few months ago I purchased the RT100/RC100 combination. I had been using it relatively successfully when it began acting erratic. Turns out that there was water getting inside the housing. Sure enough, when I opened and inspected the internals, I found sever areas that were contaminated with a blue/green corrosion. I attempted to clean up these areas. After getting them clean, the tuner no longer functions. Do the question here becomes, what to do with it? Dave Robinson KB7GP
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https://irp.cdn-website.com/4d6cc687/files/uploaded/LDG%20Electronics%20Repair%20Form%20V10.pdf ? Bill Paulus?? ? N2BDP Repeater 444.875 +162.2 Allstar Node #526084 (609) 694-7976 Past Vice President SCARA?
Southern Counties Amateur Radio Association 
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Dave Robinson via groups.io
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2025 11:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ldgelectronics] RT100/RC100 ISSUE ? Trying to print out the Return form results in an XML error and no form is presented.
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Trying to print out the Return form results in an XML error and no form is presented.
Dave Robinson KB7GP
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A few months ago I purchased the RT100/RC100 combination. I had been using it relatively successfully when it began acting erratic. Turns out that there was water getting inside the housing. Sure enough, when I opened and inspected the internals, I found sever areas that were contaminated with a blue/green corrosion. I attempted to clean up these areas. After getting them clean, the tuner no longer functions.
Do the question here becomes, what to do with it?
Dave Robinson KB7GP
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Dave Robinson
Greg KM5VC
W4JDY1953_G
Joe KE0FF
Mike Olbrisch
Bill N2BDP