Topband
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: Topband: On Using RG-6 Coaxial Cable...

To: "Ed Swynar" <gswynar@durham.net>, <topband@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: Topband: On Using RG-6 Coaxial Cable...
From: "Ford Peterson" <ford@cmgate.com>
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2006 21:46:44 -0500
List-post: <mailto:topband@contesting.com>
...snip...
> My question is to anyone who may have ever used RG-6 "satellite TV" foam 
> coaxial cable in their antenna system(s), specifically, the attachment of 
> PL-259 plugs thereonL did you, per chance, simply apply a generous amount of 
> epoxy glue...
...snip...
> 
> ~73!~ Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ

Eddy,

RG6 that I have used is a double shielded (aluminum) flooded cable.  The stuff 
is great.  It's cheap, light weight, small form factor, and low loss.  You 
don't indicate how you are using it, but remember that it has a fairly low 
voltage rating--I've seen 600v when it's rated--Lord only knows how low when 
it's not voltage rated by the manufacturer.  Any SWR and you better be talking 
about receiving applications.

If you use RG6 in the intended manner (e.g. Type F connectors) you will have a 
very reliable and weather resistant joint.  Any other approach and you are on 
your own my friend.  The aluminum braid is quite whispy--maybe 40%-50% coverage 
aluminum braid over foil?  The center dialectric and braid is covered with the 
goopiest sticky ooz you will find--I cannot imagine 'connecting' mechanically 
to the aluminum braid or 'gluing' anything.  Press-on crimp style F connections 
have been used here to about 800W into a good SWR without episode.  F 
connectors are amazingly cheap ($0.15 to $0.25) and easy to use (sharp knife, 
crimp, and about 30 seconds).  In fact, I've never lost either a single F 
connector or a cable.  Adapting the F to any other connector is a function of 
spending a few extra dollars per adapter.  Using the expensive adapters runs 
counter to the benefits of the cheap RG6/F arrangement.  If you can reduce the 
need to a single or at least very few adapters, you will be 
 better off.  I've also had to throw away more than one F-to-BNC adapter right 
out of the box (AC/DC open circuit and no clue why).  I have no experience with 
a F-to-UHF as you describe (it would be an expensive mutant adapter if you can 
find one).

I would have no problem with very long runs of RG6 for Topband receiving 
applications, or even low power transmitting into decent SWR, but I would use F 
connectors throughout with a reliable adapter at the shack end.

Good luck...

Ford-N0FP
ford@cmgate.com

_______________________________________________
Topband mailing list
Topband@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>