[TowerTalk] FXL-780 hardline connector prep

[Gary Smith]

Hi,

They look to be. The connectors haven't arrived yet, I have them 
coming in from fleabay but I looked on the Commscope page and this 
looks to be the same connector.

Here's a youtube video showing how to install this connector using 
their tool to prep it. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1KGfomnCyg

At 1:41 they show the inner conductor length.

At 3:03 (Step 4) they show how to flare the outer conductor after the 
first part of the connector (back nut) is attached, but it shows how 
to do this with the tool. In this step 4 they also mention making a 
flare on the inner conductor. I don't know how important the flairs 
are but without the tool, I'm not sure how I'd make them properly.

They don't show the internal dimensions of the flare on the center 
conductor or, how deep to core the cable or, how much outer jacket to 
remove for the connector to fit properly.

I'm sure the answer is simple and it looks simple enough to do, I 
just don't know about the flares and the amount of dielectric and 
jacket to remove.

The problem for me is I have developed a major problem with my foot 
and ankle and will be having surgery as soon as I get a 3rd opinion 
(It is the a complicated issue and the first 2 opinions on how to 
resolve this have differed) and after this operation, I will be 
unable to weight bear for up to five months and while convalescing, 
will not be able to get the coax off the spool and connected to the 
ant & rig. So I have to get this done ASAP before the operation. I 
need to know how to attach the connectors properly, without delay and 
I'm trying to learn what I need to, now.

73,

Gary
KA1J

> I have installed many connectors on 3/8 though 1 5/8 Heliax using basic
> tools,(i.e. razor blade, hacksaw, file, wrenches, soldering iron). Some
> connectors come with a plastic guide to aid in the prep.  Are these the
> instructions for your connector?
> 
> http://www.commscope.com/catalog/doc/pdf/5264/Hand_Tool_for_540__780__1480_and_1873_EZfit__Series_Connectors_for_HELIAX__SFX__FXL_Cables.pdf
> 
> John KK9A
> 
> To:	TowerTalk at contesting.com
> Subject:	[TowerTalk] FXL-780 hardline connector prep
> From:	"Gary Smith" <Gary at ka1j.com>
> Reply-to:	Gary at ka1j.com
> Date:	Mon, 23 May 2016 12:07:36 -0400
> 
> 
> Hi,
> 
> I just obtained some Commscope FXL-780 smooth wall 7/8 hardline. No
> connectors came with it.
> 
> I ordered some Commscope 78EZNF-N Female Connectors which are
> designed for this cable, but what I'm not sure about is how to prep
> the cable for these connectors unless you use the Commscope prep
> tools to do this. I can only find very expensive tools for this and I
> only need to attach a connector on each end and then the tool is
> useless to me.
> 
> The connector is seen here:
> 
> http://www.commscope.com/catalog/wireless/product_details.aspx?id=1754
> 1
> 
> or use this link: http://tinyurl.com/zp35ev3
> 
> The foam has to be cored out, the jacket removed & I understand there
> is a flaring to be made on the center conductor and also one on the
> shield before joining the two halves of the connector. I'm not aware
> of how you do this by hand without the speciality tools. I don't know
> the dimensions or depths of the cuts/foam removal.
> 
> Any suggestions?
> 
> Thanks & 73,
> 
> Gary
> 
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