[TowerTalk] Making rotator loops separate

[WA2BPE]

On UHF-type (PL259s), be sure to "wiggle" slightly to fully seat the connector as the mating "teeth" tend to offset slightly while tightening.  I agree 100% with the "two-plier" method -
have never had one come loose in > 10 years installation and wx from -25 to +110F; snow, ice, rain, sun, wind; done in this way.  Also, I never put a barrel, etc. in a rotating section of
coax  where there is inevitable torquing; secure it to a tower leg, etc. and the coax on either side (Scotch (3-M) loves me  :-)  ) but allow for minor movement.  Perhaps it is common
knowledge, but if not, be careful on taping on coax not to pull too tightly; some coax (like foam dielectric) that doesn't have a solid shield (like Heliax) can cold flow and distort/crush
the coax over time - better to tape over a longer length.  Actually, re: connectors, where possible, I prefer to use "N" or better connectors (esp for V/UHF).

Tom - WA2BPE

K7LXC at aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 8/31/03 10:36:37 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
> mcduffie at actcom.net writes:
>
> > > Pl-259's are notorious for coming loose anyway, and in the loop
> environment
> >  > you're just asking for trouble.
> >
> >  I've NEVER had a PL come loose on me, even the ones that weren't
> >  taped.  I put them on as tight as my hands will do it without tools,
> >  and that's it.  Properly installed, they shouldn't come loose with
> >  layers of tape over them anyway.
>
>     Well, you've been lucky. Hand-tight is NOT recommended. Use the 2-plier
> technique to 'gently' seat them with a barrel connector and 1-plier on baluns,
> etc.
>
> Cheers,
> Steve     K7LXC
> TOWER TECH -
> Professional tower services for commercial and amateur
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