[TowerTalk] Ultraflex coax questions

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

On 12/15/2014 11:41 AM, Howard W6HDG wrote:

The LMR-400UF, or UF versions of the LMR series do not appear to be for 
exterior use.  Although it is the most flexible cable I've found, the 
jacket is rubber like, abrades easily, and does not hold up well to UV.

I had 5 28' LMR-400UF jumpers fail in roughly 6 years.  Where it rubbed 
on the top of the tower (45G) it wore through the jacket, exposing 
several inches of shield.  The braid was worn off.  One jumper appeared 
to be OK, so I decided to make jumpers to use in the station. I made 
several and discovered the braid and shield were highly corroded on one 
end.  I cut it back over half a foot before I found clean shield.   At 
that point, I stripped the jacket off the entire piece including the 
jumpers I had already constructed. It appeared that the jacket had 
become porous in several spots with only one short piece good enough to 
have been used.

Based on first hand experience with experience and careful installation, 
I would recommend against using LMR UF versions out doors or in vertical 
runs.

I'd use Davis BuryFlex(TM) or other flexible coax with a rugged jacket.  
BuryFlex is both rugged and slippery!

73

Roger  (K8RI)
.
> Hi all.  I am about to order about 110 feet of coax for a new MA770MDP 
> tower/ Steppir DB18 install.    I'm thinking of using either genuine 
> LMR400 Ultraflex or Davis Bury Flex coax.
>
> Davis BuryFlex is cheaper and I understand it has a tougher and more 
> slippery jacket for crank up/down use?   Opinions?
>
> I am going to try crimp-on RFU-507SI RF Industries PL-259's for the 
> first time.  For the center conductor crimp, I have alternatively 
> heard of .118 and .128 crimpers being used.   I have the dies for both 
> .118 and .128 as well as the .429 braid crimp. Any opinions? Do you 
> use any dielectric compound such as STUF inside the PL259 to inhibit 
> corrosion?
>
> Tnx, Howard W6HDG
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk


-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)


---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com