[TowerTalk] RG-402 (UT-141) coax preparation

[Mike Gilmer - N2MG]

Hi Bryan,

I've worked with the 141 and smaller semi-rigid (that's what you have, right?) a lot in the past.  I use a fresh, single-edged razor blade to cut the shield.  Lay a straight piece of the stuff in front of you  (running from left to right).  Then hold the blade (with sharp edge down) above the coax and at 90deg to the coax. (Geez, I hope this comes out:)

                        B
                        L
-----COAX---------------A----------
                        D
                        E

Press the blade down firmly onto the shield and roll the coax back and forth with the blade (and your fingers if necessary).  You'll be performing a cut not unlike that of a copper tubing/pipe cutter, pressing harder and harder as you rotate/score the shield.  You need to know when you are about to break thru the shield - the dielectric cuts easily!  Then continue the motion, more gently, to score the dielectric.  Then just pull the shield/dielectric chunk off the center conductor.

I hope this helps.

Mike N2MG


On Mon, 02 October 2000, Bryan Fields wrote:

> I have built a K1FO-22 432 Mhz yagi.  I just received the UT-141 coax
> that is used to make the balun.  My question is how does one strip off
> the outer copper shield?  I have only tried to cut it with a dremel and
> managed to destroy 12 inches of expensive cable!
> 
> Does anyone have suggestions as how to strip this cable?
> 
> Thank you,
> 
> Bryan Fields, KB9MCI
> 

________________________________________________
PeoplePC:  It's for people. And it's just smart. 
http://www.peoplepc.com 

--
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
Submissions:              towertalk@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-towertalk@contesting.com