[BULK] - [TowerTalk] poor man's substitute for LMR-400?

[Steve Katz]

Regarding the CommScope coax, I've used it.  It's not bad, but quite stiff
(at least as "inflexible" as LMR400 or 9913) with a huge recommended minimum
bend radius; I wouldn't use it on a crank-up tower or around a rotor, or in
any application requiring flexing: But to feed a fixed antenna like a
vertical, or a run from the shack to the tower where it's then spliced to
something more flexible, shouldn't be a problem.  One problem, though: It's
undersized cable (smaller than the standard RG213/U/LMR400/9913 outer
diameter of .405") and as such many standard 50 Ohm connectors (PL-259,
UG21D type N, etc) won't fit it well -- too much slop.  If a PL-259 cannot
tightly thread onto the jacket of coaxial cable, the whole installation is
not only a lot "leakier" (not weatherproof) but also a lot weaker,
mechanically.  This cable is intended for crimp connectors only, and if you
can get the connectors and the crimping die, you're all set.  -WB2WIK/6

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Dave NØRQ [SMTP:n0rq-1 at dfwair.net]
> Sent:	Tuesday, June 01, 2004 9:29 AM
> To:	towertalk reflector
> Subject:	[BULK] - [TowerTalk] poor man's substitute for LMR-400?
> 
> Anyone have knowledge of CommScope coax, made in USA?
> 
> It is being sold for about $260 for a 1000' spool by www.bizsyscon.com .
> Specs are at:
> http://12.150.137.214/CommScope/Eng/specsheets2.nsf/Web-All/8C20C558B3B186
> 16852566E2004B9365/$FILE/2427K.pdf?openElement
> and are not as good as LMR-400, but it seems pretty close.
> 
> Color is white, not black.  UV issues?
> Pictures at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5701836698
> .
> What is wise advice?  Avoid completely?  Or OK for the lower bands
> (40/80/160)?  A worthy choice for any HF because it is cheap?
> 
> Dave NØRQ
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
> Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with
> any questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk