[TowerTalk] RFS LCF158-50JA 1-5/8" Heliax

[Bryan Fields]

On 7/23/19 1:40 AM, Byron Tatum wrote:
> Hello-    Just a quick question and some notes here regarding the RFS
> LCF158-50JA (1-5/8") Heliax. I am getting a few runs ready for installation
> on my towers for VHF/UHF systems. I had picked up the manufacturer's
> "premium" connectors, the RFS 716F-LCF158-D01K. I am using 7-16 DIN
> connectors on tower runs. I obtained the spanner wrenches for these
> connectors.     These RFS connectors make contact with the center conductor
> using small spring fingers that slip inside the center conductor copper
> tube a very short distance. I had read that the Andrew AL7DF-PS connector
> will fit the RFS LCF158-50 cable. I had picked up a few of the Andrew
> connectors when I obtained the RFS connectors. I compared the two
> connectors and it appears to me the Andrew AL7DF-PS connector would be more
> desirable based on the construction of the center conductor contact
> mechanism. The Andrew connector has a much longer (silver plated) and more
> massive contact assembly that inserts into center conductor much further
> than the RFS connector. Both connectors make contact to the outer conductor
> in a similar manner. The Andrew connector has more O-ring seals.    I was
> curious if anyone else has had a similar experience as me with this cable
> and connectors. I assembled one of each type to the cable and it appears to
> me I prefer the Andrew connector based on the two inch long center
> conductor contact assembly. It appears to me the RFS connector has only
> about 1/2 inch (insertion) contact to center conductor ID. I am curious if
> in long term use of the RFS connector this very short insertion length of
> the center conductor contact fingers could be a trouble area?      I did
> experiment with an older 1-5/8" Andrew connector, the L7-PDF. I really
> liked that (solid) center conductor contact piece that threaded into the
> internal spirals of the center conductor on the old LDF7-50 cable. However,
> this RFS LCF158-50 cable has a slightly larger ID of the center conductor
> than the older LDF7-50 Andrew cable and the L7-PDF connector center
> conductor threaded piece makes a very sloppy fit. It will tighten up
> against the internal spiral but I would not trust it long term.     I made
> up a 160' piece of the RFS cable using the Andrew AL7DF-PS connectors and
> it tested to spec regarding SWR and loss when tested at highest frequency
> of use here (1296 Mhz). So I am thinking of going with these connectors.
> Just curious if anyone else has experience with connectors for the RFS
> LCF158-50 cable.Byron W5FH

Please use paragraphs.

The RFS connectors are only compatible with RFS cable.  There's about a 5-10
mil difference between the RFS/Comscope/Eupen cables dimensions.

-- 
Bryan Fields

727-409-1194 - Voice
http://bryanfields.net