Like someone said, include a spare, or make spares easy to order, or use a gland that can be ordered from a place like Allied or Mouser. Stuff happens. If nothing else, the rubber insert gets hard with time. Also easier to strip the threads on a plastic gland. Not a big deal unless it’s difficult to obtain replacements.
From: Mathew Howard via Af Sent: Friday, October 10, 2014 4:50 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Microwave Backhaul Ethernet Grommets - Feedback Wanted Plastic. I don't see that there's a big enough advantage to metal to justify that much of a price difference, especially if an RJ45 won't fit through. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Af [af-boun...@afmug.com] on behalf of Kade Sullivan via Af [af@afmug.com] Sent: Friday, October 10, 2014 4:10 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Microwave Backhaul Ethernet Grommets - Feedback Wanted If it means the difference between being able to pass an RJ45 connector through it or not, I would say plastic all the way. If I had to chose between 2 radio vendors with similar price/performance, that feature would tip me one way or the other. I absolutely despise grommets that wont pass the connector. On Fri, Oct 10, 2014 at 4:02 PM, Charles Wu via Af <af@afmug.com> wrote: Trying to figure out some Ethernet grommets and since you guys would be the ones directly using/installing these, thought I’d ask for input rather than just trying to guess what’s best for everyone – trying to decide metal vs. plastic Metal - Cannot put Ethernet cable through (need to crimp connector AFTER cable has gone through) - Expensive ($30+ / grommet) – when we’re trying to be competitive against Trango/SAF/etc with an all-outdoor microwave backhaul, every dollar counts (especially if we’re talking up to 4 connectors) - Feels more *rugged* Plastic: - Can put Ethernet cable through with the end on - Cheap ($0.50/grommet) – can throw a bunch of these in with every radio without increasing the price, and could send them out to customers without charging them if a customer needed things - Doesn’t *look/feel* as industrial / rugged as the metal grommet All suggestions / comments / thoughts are welcome Plastic Metal
