[TowerTalk] Tool for F-connector holes

[Paul Christensen]

>"Another way to solve the problem is to use a service like
frontpanelexpress.com - you download their design tool, which lets you
design a "front panel" = a piece of aluminum sheet metal with holes and
cutouts in it. They have every imaginable shape and size cutout (Sub-D for
DB25 or DB9, 22mm round with 1 or 2 keys, D, Double D, etc.)"

I recently used Front Panel Express software to create a custom interface
panel for a Hi-Z Antennas 8-circle receive array.  The panel has nine "D"
holes for F-81 thru-hole barrels in addition to connections for a wi-fi
antenna and ground lug.  

The panel is made from plexiglass and has engraved and filled lettering.
System balance is critical and as such, an aluminum panel couldn't be used.
Each F input must be isolated all the way to the Hi-Z phasing controller.
Fortunately, plexiglass can be selected from a pull-down menu in the FPE
software.  When it was time to tighten snap-n-seal connectors to the F-81s,
the D openings did the trick and there's absolutely no connector rotation
when putting a wrench on the connectors.
    
For those interested, photos of the panel and weatherproof enclosure can be
seen on my QRZ page.  

Paul, W9AC