Topband: F connector how-to video

VE6WZ_Steve ve6wz at shaw.ca
Fri Feb 4 11:58:35 EST 2022


One thing I did not mention in my video is that not all RG-6 is not the same. (obviously)
Beside quad shield vs single shield, and flooded vs not, the jacket design can really effect things.
I have used all of the above, and mostly use flooded quad shield now.

However, some cable is more “forgiving” when trying to get that connector on.
It seems some of the direct burial cable has a very tough, almost rigid jacket that seems to resist expansion when pushing the connector on.
On the other hand, some indoor cables seems more soft and pliable and the connectors slide right on.
Also, it's seems that some cable designs are more prone to having the shield catch and bunch up.  Maybe the shield stands are to more tightly bound to the centre conductor?

When you find a cable that you like, stick with it!

The wonderful thing about RG-6 is that it's very affordable simply because it is so mass produced to meet the needs of the cable TV/internet market.
Great stuff for feeding our RX antennas.

73, de steve ve6wz

> On Feb 4, 2022, at 8:11 AM, David Olean <k1whs at metrocast.net> wrote:
> 
> I was happy to see this video. I have put on hundreds of these connectors, but was unsure of the proper method. I used the brute force method and usually found myself pushing the connector against a tree and ramming the cable in as hard as I could.  And, yes, all my antenna work is done in winter, in the dark, when it is snowing and my boots are wet..  I got lots of good pointers for sure. Thanks
> 
> Dave K1WHS
> 
> On 2/4/2022 12:12 AM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote:
>> 
>> On 2/3/2022 7:29 PM, VE6WZ_Steve wrote:
>>> “Why the “F” won’t it go on ?”
>>> https://youtu.be/pE04tDpdhRA <https://youtu.be/pE04tDpdhRA>
>>> 73, de steve ve6wz
>>> _________________
>> 
>> YMMV, but what I do is actually use the conical spreading tool you show on the video (that you say doesn't work) and it works perfectly for me every time.  I only use Belden connectors, like the ones you show but
>> don't use.  I prefer the yellow Palladin stripper and the Platinum Tools Copper Clad Steel Coax Cutters available at Tech Tool Supply.
>> 
>> You are correct that heat is magic for making them go on
>> easily.  Same as putting hoses on hose barbs (or removing them). For
>> hoses I use boiling water.
>> 
>> 73
>> Rick N6RK
>> _________________
>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector



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