> Another important point I forgot to mention. Virtually all problems
> with RF actually getting into the cable system (and showing up on
> the center conductor of the coax) are caused by poorly crimped F-
> connectors, or other forms of poor termination, like a non-technical
> user trying to extend his cable wiring.
As a former Director of Engineering for Comcast, the most prevalent form of
ingress occurs through loose F-connectors, most of which are properly
crimped. That, followed by improperly-crimped connectors as Jim point out.
Even the slightest amout of a loosening of an F-connector will allow
ingress. Nearly every cable technician keeps a 7/16" open wrench in his or
her back-pocket. It gets grabbed in the morning as s/he dresses.<g>
Back in the mid-'90s, we conducted an extensive study on ingress and found
significant differences among cable and connector quality. Not too
surprising, the most effective combination is quad-shielded cable with
compression connectors (e.g., Thomas & Betts/LRC "Snap-'N-Seal"). Any CATV
cabling used outdoors performed significantly better over time if it was of
the gel-flooded variety.
Paul, W9AC
_______________________________________________
RFI mailing list
RFI@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi
|