[TowerTalk] Coax Crimp-On Connectors

[Grant Saviers]

I've been using the DX Eng supplied PL design for 8X and their LMR400 
version, also Amphenol RG8 crimp.  On both the RG8X-LL from Davis and 
DXE's RG8X and DXE 400MAX (I think it is called) and Buryflex.  I do 
subscribe to K3LR's comment that crimp is a must for foam insulation 
coax.  For solid PE coax PL's, I will use up my inventory of Amphenol 
solder PL's.

Crimp tools are the stock ones for these coax sizes.  I only use solder 
center pin connectors.  btw RG400 and RG142 double silver shield TFE 
coax did require odd size crimp tools.  Same for RG178/179.  Mixes of PL 
and BNC crimps on these.  My check for a good crimp is to try to pull 
the connector off with force that feels right for the coax type before 
soldering the pin.  Maybe there is a spec for this.

The waterproofing detail is a bit different but always adhesive lined 
heat shrink PL barrel to coax which IMO makes the #33 tape overwrap work 
better.  The permanent outdoor weatherproofing follows with the Andrew 
butyl tape, more #33 and acrylic spray 2 coats.

Usually 50+ inches of rain here, .1" inch at a time, all the time.

Grant KZ1W
Redmond, WA



On 1/5/2020 15:56, Don wrote:
> One of my New Year Resolutions is to move from slobbering the coax to 
> connector to crimp ons. Based on the comments I read last year on the 
> topic at this site it seemed that most all feel that this process is 
> faster and as reliable if not better than the solder approach.
> 
> Looking these tools up I see many different ones available and during 
> the last year I neglected to keep notes.
> 
> I'd appreciate input from those with experience with the crimp on 
> connection, particularity in a wet (this is the OR coast) salt air 
> environment. Nothing gets buried and goes from the shack hanging from a 
> long SS cable to the interconnection box, then to and up the tower.
> 
> So what brand/source of tool works best for you? And who is a good 
> source for quality UHF crimp on style connectors? My coax of choice is 
> typically RG-8X and 213, in that diameter range.
> 
> Has anyone seen a sort of Consumer Reports listing of the crimp on 
> connector tools and/or connector suppliers by quality factors?
> 
> Don W7WLL
> 
> 
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