I used to coat the outside with a spray-on waterproof electrical tape(it was sprayable vinal) three coats sufficed, and i havent had trouble with the tubes, This way there protected from harsh northern winters. I did coat the insides with a wood hardener ,and allowed that to dry before spraying the tubes. They work grate, even if you leave them exposed to the elements(atleast for a while)
I seems to be getting a 404 Error on that address. and now the Apc page says: "NOTICE: This domain name expired on 02/10/2010 and is pending renewal or deletion"