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RE: [BULK] - [TowerTalk] poor man's substitute for LMR-400?

To: 'Dave NØRQ' <n0rq-1@dfwair.net>,towertalk reflector <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: RE: [BULK] - [TowerTalk] poor man's substitute for LMR-400?
From: Steve Katz <stevek@jmr.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Jun 2004 09:45:39 -0700
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Regarding the CommScope coax, I've used it.  It's not bad, but quite stiff
(at least as "inflexible" as LMR400 or 9913) with a huge recommended minimum
bend radius; I wouldn't use it on a crank-up tower or around a rotor, or in
any application requiring flexing: But to feed a fixed antenna like a
vertical, or a run from the shack to the tower where it's then spliced to
something more flexible, shouldn't be a problem.  One problem, though: It's
undersized cable (smaller than the standard RG213/U/LMR400/9913 outer
diameter of .405") and as such many standard 50 Ohm connectors (PL-259,
UG21D type N, etc) won't fit it well -- too much slop.  If a PL-259 cannot
tightly thread onto the jacket of coaxial cable, the whole installation is
not only a lot "leakier" (not weatherproof) but also a lot weaker,
mechanically.  This cable is intended for crimp connectors only, and if you
can get the connectors and the crimping die, you're all set.  -WB2WIK/6

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dave NØRQ [SMTP:n0rq-1@dfwair.net]
> Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2004 9:29 AM
> To:   towertalk reflector
> Subject:      [BULK] - [TowerTalk] poor man's substitute for LMR-400?
> 
> Anyone have knowledge of CommScope coax, made in USA?
> 
> It is being sold for about $260 for a 1000' spool by www.bizsyscon.com .
> Specs are at:
> http://12.150.137.214/CommScope/Eng/specsheets2.nsf/Web-All/8C20C558B3B186
> 16852566E2004B9365/$FILE/2427K.pdf?openElement
> and are not as good as LMR-400, but it seems pretty close.
> 
> Color is white, not black.  UV issues?
> Pictures at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5701836698
> .
> What is wise advice?  Avoid completely?  Or OK for the lower bands
> (40/80/160)?  A worthy choice for any HF because it is cheap?
> 
> Dave NØRQ
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
> Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with
> any questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
> 
> _______________________________________________
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_______________________________________________

See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather 
Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions 
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

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