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

[Lou Laderman]

I also noted the same seller has some "regular sized" (.405) cable
available (black, 1000' spool):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3704&item=5702721
421  

Specs are here:
http://websvr.commscope.com/CommScope/Eng/specsheets2.nsf/Web+By+Market/
8FF89C626327A49A852565AE00545391/$FILE/3227.pdf?openElement.  

The seller also has an auction for 10 spools (if you need 10,000 feet!).

73,

Lou 


-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Katz [mailto:stevek at jmr.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2004 11:46 AM
To: 'Dave NØRQ'; towertalk reflector
Subject: RE: [BULK] - [TowerTalk] poor man's substitute for LMR-400?


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/8C20C558B3
> B186
> 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.
> 
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