Protect connectors with this simple Hack!

 Amateur operators use many type of connectors in the shack and in the field. One of the most common connector I use is UHF. When they are used in outdoor transmission lines, we normally waterproof them using rubber tapes, insulation tapes etc. While they are not in use, if they are left outside in garage or workshop, dust/moisture ingress will deteriorate their performance over time. Often, we should use contact cleaners before taking them out for use.

In the past, I have used plastic caps (MX in India sometime comes with such caps) and metal threaded dust caps as well. But, they are hard to find in India. I wanted a easy solution for making quick n reusable protection for many UHF connectors I had in my box. This is a problem while carrying devices to portable locations as well, especially unprotected PL259 connectors take hit when uncoiling coaxes. 

Here is what I came up with available heat shrink sleeves. Yes they are not good as threaded caps, but 

1) Keeps connectors from sand, dust, water ingress

2) Reduces wastage of insulation tape during transport or uncoiling coax

3) Can be quickly made in the field too!

73s 

VU2XE