[TowerTalk] Crimp Connector (K8RI) Response from DAVIS RF Co.(Gold vs. Silver

[Stephen Davis]

Hello TT'rs, 

Thanks to Roger for recommending us, and to Bryan for clarifying that we are not Davis Electric, but DAVIS RF (Roger has done biz with us, I am sure he knows a Davis Electiric and just slipped)
www.DavisRF.com .   Contact me or call the 800 # if you don't see what you want or need tech help.  We can not list all the product variances in wire, cable, or connectors on our web site.   

Couple of tech points:  We sell gold pin connectors (and we sell any and all coax connector types that are produced) as there is a reasonable demand for them.  But, I think that gold pins are 
an overkill and often not needed depending on the application.  Silver (i.e. silver plated nickel, the most always case for center pins) conducts a bit better than gold .  I doubt you could ever notice any  difference in ham applications using either one, if the connection is water proofed.   I don't recall the exact terminology, otherwise incorrectly referred to as "silver oxidation", but if silver is exposed to air and water, the residue will not conduct appropriately whereas gold does not have the same issue.   Hope this helps a bit.

ref RG 58:  I always suggest the more robust RG 8X  (actually not RG'd, but not a big issue), if you can physically work with a .240" OD vs. the smaller RG 58.   One reason being that there are over 12 varieties of RG 58 out there. It is one of the most bastardized RG's on the market.  And, there is only one version that has noticeably lower attenuation than the others which may be important
depending on the length and frequency (longer length = more attenuation.  Higher frequency = higher attenuation).  For years Shakespeare, the leading mfr. of marine VHF antennas, used RG 58. I talked once to an engineer there and made my observation of the better physical and electrical aspects of 8X.  He didn't disagree but sort of insinuated ("if it ain't broken , don't fix it".... better put in my mind, "if you have your foot and production mired in RG 58, try not to consider those transmissions that failed due to physical aspects or attenuation".   Funny how a few years later they switched to 8X (not claiming at all that I was a factor in that, but who knows  HI)

So, which RG 58 is the one to choose, if you can't go with 8X?   I'll have to get back to you on that.... we sell it, but I'm away on vacation and don't have access to the specs.  

I am looking for tech topics relative to wire, cable, RF connectors for a news letter, if you have any suggestions/desires. You could email me directly on those to avoid band width here. 

73,  Steve Davis,  K1PEK, Snr. RF Cable Design Engr and Founder, DAVIS RF Co.    Affiliate:   Davis Rope and Cable Assembly Co.      www. DavisRopeAndCable.com

> 
>   1. Re: Starting with the rerod. First setback (K8RI)
>   2. Re: Crimp Connector Suggestion (Bryan Swadener)
>   3. Re: Crimp Connector Suggestion (K8RI)
>   4. Re: [50mhz]  hairpin matches (Carl)
>   5. Re: Crimp Connector Suggestion (Jim W7RY)
>   6. Question for common mode choke balun experts. (Jim Thomson)
>   7. Re: Question for common mode choke balun experts. (Steve Hunt)
> 
> 
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> Message: 2
> Date: Fri, 9 Aug 2013 20:45:06 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Bryan Swadener <bswadener at yahoo.com>
> To: "towertalk at contesting.com" <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Crimp Connector Suggestion
> Message-ID:
> 	<1376106306.60450.YahooMailNeo at web160401.mail.bf1.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
> 
> For RG-58, I use ONLY Amphenol pn 83-58FCP-RFX "Field Crimp Plugs".
> They're comparably priced with 83-1SP + UG175 (plug & reducer).
> They require no soldering and no crimp tool. They can be installed
> with a small pair of "pointy" wire cutters. They're perfect for FD/portable
> use where you don't want to lug a crimper around and don't have a soldering iron.
> ?
> They're best with RG-58 that has a stranded center conductor.
> If the cable jacket is hard (such as when it's cold), it helps the
> plug to slide on if the jacket is warmed a bit first. Unfortunately,
> there appears to be no equivalent for other cables.
> ?
> It's Davis RF (http://www.davisrf.com/), not Davis Electric
> ?
> vy 73,
> Bryan WA7PRC
> 
> **************************************************
> 
> Date: Fri, 09 Aug 2013 14:31:46 -0400
> From: K8RI
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Crimp Connector Suggestion
> 
> On 8/9/2013 2:03 PM, Richard Solomon wrote:
>> I use RG-58X for short jumpers. Whose Crimp Connectors
>> would you recommend I use ?
> 
> 58X or 8X?? I've not seen a 58X.
> 
> There are a number of good ones for 8X. The UHF are not very expensive. 
> ? Do you want silver with the gold center pin?? I prefer the gold center 
> pin as it is durable and will withstand many uses that jumpers are 
> usually subject to.? I use a short piece (bout inch and a half long) of 
> the small 3M heat shrink over the crimp and onto the coax for reinforcement.
> 
> I'd call either Davis Electric,? the RF connection, the Wireman, or 
> Texas Towers and? tell them what you'd like, or ask them for their 
> opinion as they have quite a variety. The UHF crimp connectors for 8X 
> are a breeze to install.
> 
> 73
> 
> Roger (K8RI)
> 
> 
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