[VHFcontesting] Type N crimpers?

[kr7o at vhfdx.com]

>
>The commercial cable assembly manufacturers almost
>100% use crimp connectors and they are building cables
>to service provider and radio OEM specs.  These cables
>must pass tests for insertion loss, return loss,
>connector pull and sometimes phase matching.  As K1WHS
>noted in a previous post, modern crimp sleeve units
>are probably BETTER then the clamp connectors.
>

I have been using the LMR400 crimp connectors for over 10 years and have 
only seen two failures of installed cables.  One was on a surplus piece of 
cable at the swap meet that was visibly installed improperly.  The other 
one was two weeks ago on a 75 ohm phasing line for my 6M array that started 
acting up.  While testing the cables in the shack I noticed I could spin 
one which pulled off after a slight tug.  I didn't install that connector, 
so can't say why it failed.  I wonder though if the softer outer jacket of 
RG-11 promoted flex behind the ferrule, or was out of tolerance for the 
LMR400 crimp die.  The only other problems I have seen were a batch of 
defective connectors 5-6 years ago where the threaded ring would pop off 
the connector before achieving proper torque (RF Connection sourced 
connectors, but never a problem after that).  I can't count the number of 
failed Amphenol N connectors I have found loose on cables I made or surplus 
cable.

I have used these connectors on a 13 mile 2.4GHz network link that was up 
for 10 years without failure or degradation in RSL.

>and can't use them - just like prices for ANYTHING
>with a 7-16 DIN connector.  Ever seen what a Heliax 1
>5/8 connector can be had for when it has a DIN
>connector vs a N connector ??  What a steal.
>
>Jay W9RM
>EN52rb

Now, if there was only a source of inexpensive (or at least not obscenely 
priced) relays with 7-16 connectors!


73, Robert KR7O/YB2ARO, DM07ba/OI52ee  (ex.  N7STU)
kr7o at vhfdx.com

www.vhfdx.com (KR7O/YB2ARO homepages)