Topband: FW: Isolated F81 F Barrel Connector

[Paul Christensen]

Although I've decided to create a Hi-Z interface panel with Perspex, I did discover an insulated F81 barrel from L-Com.  See the link below if there's an interest in saving the information for future reference.  

Notice that the F81 uses a pair of Nylon shoulder washers to achieve panel isolation.   Mechanically and electrically, I don’t know how well it would work and hold up over time, but it may be an option in other applications where panel isolation is required.

http://www.l-com.com/coaxial-coaxial-bulkhead-adapter-f-female-female75-ohm-5-d-hole

Paul, W9AC

-----Original Message-----
From: Topband <topband-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Paul Christensen
Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2018 5:02 PM
To: topband at contesting.com
Subject: Topband: FW: Isolated F81 F Barrel Connector

Thanks for all the replies.  I failed to mention that the plate is being designed in Front Panel Express (FPE) software.  I didn’t think FPE offered non-metallic panels.  However, I just took another look at the design menu and I was surprised to find they offer panels in an acrylic material called “Perspex.”  It’s less expensive to CNC machine and engrave than aluminum, so this may be the best option. 

 

Paul, W9AC. 

 

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On Sun, Oct 21, 2018 at 3:46 PM -0400, "Steve Maki" <lists at oakcom.org <mailto:lists at oakcom.org> > wrote:

Can't you just use a non-metallic plate?
 
-Steve K8LX
 
On 10/21/18 15:08 PM, Paul Christensen wrote:
> Google isn't my friend today...
> 
> I am looking for an isolated "F" barrel connector, commonly known as 
> the F81.  I am designing an aluminum interface plate for use with a 
> Hi-Z 8-circle receive array.  The panel will contain multiple F81 
> barrel connectors that attach to the side of a large PVC tool box with 
> gasket weather seal.  An isolated F81 is probably a very odd item 
> since it's a connector that's not normally used for baseband signal 
> distribution like video and data.
> 
> Each of the RG-6 lines run into a Hi-Z switched phasing box where each 
> line is connected to a toroid transformer.  As such, measuring 
> resistance from the ground of one antenna port to another shows about 
> 30 ohms resistance, necessitating isolation at my connection plate.  
> The Hi-Z phasing box is made of PVC material and each antenna input is 
> isolated by virtue of the plastic box.
> 
> In the alternative, I could use isolated BNC or TNC connectors with F
> between-series adapters.   Insulating each F81 with its own insolation strip
> is definitely not an option in this application.  The last option is 
> to run all lines directly into the large box and make a direct 
> connection to the Hi-Z phasing unit.  However, I would really like the 
> option to disconnect on the *outside* of the box so that it can be 
> quickly wheeled in for maintenance.
> 
> Thoughts?
> 
> Paul, W9AC
> 
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