[TowerTalk] Install Type N connector to 1/2" Smoothwall

[Steve Maki]

Do you have Heliax or smoothwall cable? Heliax has a corrugated shield.

There's no reasonable way to install JMA/PPC compression connectors 
without the Ridgid compression tool set, which is around $4k. If I were 
you I'd obtain Andrew/Commscope connectors for your cable, which can be 
installed with regular cheap tools.

Let me know what the cable model# is, I may have what you need for 
connectors.

-Steve K8LX

On 1/30/2018 10:34 AM, Rick Wheeler wrote:
> I was able to purchase new a 475' roll of CommScope 1/2" HELIAX Superflexible Smoothwall Aluminum coax for my HF station for a very good price. I have about a 150' run from a two element 5 band quad up at 60'. And BTW, the "Superflexible cable" is not that flexible! But the specs are very good for HF.
> 
> 
> I have tried to find a way to attach the Type N connectors to the cable without the use of the expensive tools used typically by professional installers. I purchased pair of JMA 500 connectors but after watching their video they used some expensive tools and guns. I could splurge for a Prep tool but the HCG-Frameset compression gun is pricey. Nice and quick to be sure but thousands of dollars for tools I will use once very 10 years or so is steep.
> 
> 
> Is there a DIY guide to install type N connectors on 1/2" smoothwall? Do I need the compression tool or can it be done without one some other way? Has anyone made a DIY compression tool?
>
> Rick Wheeler
> 
> K4LX