[TenTec] [SMC] OT: Half inch Andrews Heliax LDF4-50A vs LMR-400

[Jim Brown]

On 4/24/2013 10:41 AM, Charlie wrote:
>   Davis RF has UHF connectors for 1/2" Heliax.
>
> While they are not Andrews connectors, they are of high quality and work quite well.

BUT -- remember that there are many variations in the construction of 
hard line, even by the same manufacturer, and not all 1/2-in connectors 
FIT all 1/2-in hard line.  RF Connection is one of several good sources 
for hard line connectors.  I recently (within the last year) did an 
extensive search on this so that I could make use of several lengths of 
hard line I'd acquired for my station. I've written up what I've 
learned, and probably should post it. it's far from complete or 
definitive, but might help others with the same problem. As far as I 
know, the UHF connectors for 1/2-in Heliax you referenced are the only 
ones I know of that are currently manufactured.

I've learned to install connectors (get out your hacksaw), and have done 
perhaps ten of them in the last year. Each of them is a bit different.

It is sometimes possible to brute-force the wrong connector onto the 
cable, but it's equally likely that the wrong connector will not be 
mechanically or electrically robust.  I've inherited some chunks of hard 
line with that problem. :)

73, Jim K9YC