In another life, I installed TV antennas and used
RG-6 cable and "F" connectors.
1 Use top quality connectors with one-piece construction. These
have a series of rings about
the shank.
2 Use a "hex crimper" that has a complicated multi-
pivot action. The simple pliers-type crimpers do
a very poor job.
3 The center conductor of many forms of RG-6 is
copper plated steel. If you don't carefully weather-
proof an outside connection, the copper plating will
go away and the steel core will rust. This process
will go a lot faster if there is DC or AC on the line.
Radio Schlock sells a synthetic grease which makes a
decent water block.
4 The black rubber "boots" often sold with the
connectors are worthless for outside connections as
the UV will eat them.
5 For outside connections, clean the connection with
91% alcohol and paint it with "Scotchkote 710" which is a foul-smelling
sealant. Available at your local
hardware store.
6 Wrap the connection with "self-almagmating" (also called self-fusing or
rubber tape)tape and then with 2 layers of Scotch #33 black tape.
7 Sometimes the copper plating is protected by a
covering of varnish. Carefully scrape this off and
protect the inside of the connection with the
synthetic grease as mentioned in step 3.
Channel Master sells a version of RG-6 with a solid
copper center conductor under the "Colorduct" trade
name.
73
Tim Colbert K3HX
Shameless plug:
ARCI QRP "Hootowl" contest this Sunday. 2000-2359
your LOCAL time. Great fun!
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