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

[Ford Peterson]

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> 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...
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> 
> ~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 at cmgate.com