[TowerTalk] Cable Window entry

[jimlux]

On 11/9/20 12:40 AM, Jim Pruitt wrote:
> I am hoping that someone(s) can give me some advice on cable window 
> entries.  I am looking for something like a 1/4" thick aluminum strip to 
> go in the window track.  The tracks are 38.5 inches apart. I was unable 
> to find a 4 inch wide aluminum flat bar strip at a reasonable price ($40 
> for the strip and $40 for shipping).  I did find a 3 inch wide strip and 
> do have that. What I want to know is what length I need to cut it to. If 
> I make it the full 38.5 inches long then how do I get it into the tracks 
> since I can't slide it in from the end?  If I cut it to say 38 inches 
> then what do I use to fill the other 1/2 inch (or 1/4 inch on each 
> end)?  Do I just use stick on weather stripping?
> 
> The second part is, how do I make the D shaped holes for the SO239 
> bulkhead feedthroughs or the UG492 BNC bulkhead feedthroughs?  I am sure 
> my 5/8" Greelee punches will not even make a dent in the strip.  I do 
> not have access to a vertical mill to cut the holes.

5/8" hole saw, and live with them spinning in the hole?

and 1/4" aluminum is probably way thicker than you need.
Your greenlee will punch 1/8" without any problem.

> 

It depends on what you consider reasonably priced - I use Front Panel 
Express - download their tool, define your panel, and they'll send it to 
you in a few days.  Painted or not, machined in legends and labels, any 
shape hole you want.  But it's going to be more than $50.


https://www.frontpanelexpress.com/

--

I use weather stripping - they make a kind with a slot into which you 
can put a panel, but the stick on kind also works.