[TowerTalk] Some advice about crimp ;type coax connectors

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

I've used a number of connectors, most of which are the Times Wire crimp 
connectors.  I like them as they come with a length of heat shrink.  
They are a very well made connector, but with the 100' vertical run 
still need the loops at top and bottom.

As to a loop,  Why never?   I must disagree.  I see no reason not to use 
them and a number for using them.
As long as the loop is not too tight, center migration is not a problem, 
nor is lightening with the shield bonded to the tower, top and bottom.

The same for tape. I do not like the large ty-wraps as they put too much 
pressure on a small spot. and two wraps ever two feet gives a secure 
hold. I run the coax along a tower leg, inside the tower, bonded to the 
top and bottom of the tower. Put on in reasonable weather, I've never 
had any come off or loose.  Tape in cold weather is not a good 
idea.After this many years, I've been given no reason to change.

73

Roger (K8RI)

On 11/17/2014 11:58 PM, Bryan Fields wrote:
> On 11/17/14, 9:00 PM, Roger (K8RI) on TT wrote:
>> On 11/17/2014 10:56 AM, Gary J - N5BAA wrote:
>>
>> Caution:  N-Type connectors may not be your answer.
>>
>> I crimp nearly all coax connectors  here as well, but went back to UHF
>> connectors on all vertical runs on the tower as well as sloping dipole
>> feeds..  N-type connectors have a problem and it can be a big one on
>> vertical runs.  On most N type connectors the center pin is not captive.
>> The weight of the coax center conductor can cause it to migrate down,
>> taking the center pin with it, either creating a poor electrical
>> connection, or none.  The same problem exists in center feeding half
>> wave, sloping dipoles.  When the temperature is well below freezing, or
>> even below zero is not the time to find out you have this problem.
> What connectors are you using to crimp on LMR-400?  I've used the EZ
> connectors from Times and never had this issue.
>
> I suspect you're not using the Times branded connectors or Times brand cable.
>   The heatshrink is required as well.
>
>> The problem can be reduced with a 360 degree loop in the coax
>> immediately after the connector, but not so close as to induce leverage
>> into the connector.
> You should NEVER loop coax on the tower.
>
> You may want to check into how you support the cable on the tower too.  Tape
> is not an approved method.
>


-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)