Topband: PL 259 for RG6

[ZR]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Brown" <jim at audiosystemsgroup.com>
To: <topband at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 08, 2011 4:40 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: PL 259 for RG6


> On 10/7/2011 9:28 PM, Bob Kupps wrote:
>> Would crimp-on PL259 plugs sized for RG59 cable be suitable or is there a 
>> better way to go?
>
> There's RG6, and there's RG6, and there's RG6. In other words, there are
> dozens of very different cables called RG6. RG6 is not a spec, it is a
> VERY generic description.  First, you should be using ONLY coax with a
> heavy copper braid shield for transmitting on the HF and MF bands.



Thats hilarious, many hams have been crimping CATV soft cable for decades. I 
started doing it with RG-11 in the late 70's and RG-6 a bit later and have 
never had a problem from 160M to 70cm and running up to 1500W (1200W on 75 
with RG-6 to a sloper). The clad center conductor is soldered.


That
> cable is almost certain to be oversized for RG59 reducers, so you will
> likely need somewhat non-standard termination if you're going to
> solder.


As I said earlier try a RG-8X/LMR-240 connector. With the various shielding 
combinations available some trimming may be required.


 > I'm a solder guy, so what I do is strip enough of the outer
> jacket to fit into the reducer, put it together and solder it as if it
> were RG59, and then do more serious taping and waterproofing than I
> otherwise might.


Proper preparation and sealing goes for any cable.


>
> If you are going to crimp, it is critical that both the connector and
> the crimp tool match the exact cable type that you are using.


Not necessarily. If the cable is slightly oversize a good crimp can be had 
by not compressing the ferrule too far.

Carl
KM1H