Re: [IRCA] Coax update
Rick, I used one of the bigger, longer F fittings made for RG6. I pushed it on well and crimped it. I have a regular crimper tool. There is better, but the shield of the F fitting does cover back over the jacket pretty well. It is all I have anyway. 73, Patrick Patrick Martin KAVT Reception Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Coax update
Patrick Martin wrote: > I found double shield and a good foil wrap glued inside. It > looks like at least 3 or 4 covers of shielding. This sounds like the good stuff. > So I put a F fitting on > it along with a termination and check for leakage. Still not perfect, > but better. Can you describe for us the exact "F" connector type? Was this an "F" connector made for quad-shield coax, or whatever the shielding was? How did you prep the coax? I.e., did you do a 1/4-inch standard prep based on the coax type? What did you use to crimp the "F" connector? Rick Kunath ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Coax update
Since I switched the coax from the vertical to the beverage (the better stuff), I have noticed the noise from my neighbors touch lamp almost disappeared. There is only one very weak spot (525 khz), that I get any at all now. My beverage runs about 30-35 feet from the lamp in her house. So another plus to replace the coax. 73, Patrick Patrick Martin KAVT Reception Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Coax update
Dennis, Thanks for the HAR update on Gresham. I'll try for that. As far as East Coast TIS/HAR stations, I used to hear a fair number of those before the X Band filled up. A regular was JFK-1700 w/10 watts. 73, Patrick Patrick Martin KAVT Reception Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Coax update
Pat, Drove through Gresham today and listened to WQCA 312 on 1610. They run a loop of about 12 minutes. Even a minute of NOAH weather. With your new coax on the beverage you should be hearing them soon. Heck, you probably here TIS/HARS from the East Coast. Dennis, Vancouver, WA ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Coax update
I had a bit of time this afternoon, so I thought, why not check out the coax for the vertical, to see what that is. Well, it is the best out of the bunch. I found double shield and a good foil wrap glued inside. It looks like at least 3 or 4 covers of shielding. So I put a F fitting on it along with a termination and check for leakage. Still not perfect, but better. The locals were S5-S7, not S9, so I connected that piece to the beverage and I do notice stations like KNBR-680 a bit weaker off the Eastern beverage than before. Not a biggie, maybe 5 DB or so, but an improvement. So replace the coax on at least two of the antennas and things should be better for directivity. I don't have the vertical connected to coax at the moment as I dont have a new box for it, but I rarely use the vertical anyway. Back to packing. 73, Patrick Patrick Martin KAVT Reception Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] coax update
Rick, You can always seal the box with goop, or put it in a plastic container of some kind, sealing the holes where the wires go through. Patrick Patrick Martin KAVT Reception Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] coax update
Rick Kunath wrote: > With an insulated cover, the box won't be shielded on all sides. I should qualify that *some* rubber gasketed boxes are OK. Some bottom out on metal to metal contact and have the gasket outside that metal to metal contact. Most electrical-type weatherproof boxes just have the cover sitting on the gasket. These aren't shielded fully because the gasket insulates the cover and the only contact between the cover and the case are the cover screws. Rick Kunath ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] coax update
Thanks Craig. I'll check around and see if I can find anything locally, but if not, I have several sources now to mail order small boxes. Something 2X2X2 inches would work ok, if I could find one that small. 73, Patrick Patrick Martin KAVT Reception Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] coax update
Chuck, I replaced the transformer in the Sony metal box with my regular torrid built one I had in the plastic bottle. I wanted the metal box and that I could use and it had the one F fitting. I drilled two holes on the backside to install the banana jax so I could plug in the antenna and ground. But I did not use the TV matching transformer coil. I removed it. My matching transformer I had in the plastic bottle is now in the metal box. Thoe S Meter readings I gave were from the coax with the terminator on the end. As I mentioned, after I put an F connector back on the end of the coax, and screwed on the terminator, I got barely threshold on CBU-690. Gone was the S9 signal, but I did get S2-S4 on some Seattle stations like KIRO and S9 on the locals. So the coax is still leaky, but things have improved a lot. Now to replace the coax with something better. 73, Patrick Patrick Martin KAVT Reception Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] coax update
Craig Healy wrote: > Hammond also makes weatherproof boxes like the 1590CW. Far more pricey, > though. I'd think that a regular aluminum box and some silicone would do > the job nearly as well. The big gotcha with weatherproof gasketed metal boxes is that if the gasket insulates the cover, you've just negated the shielding. So, no gaskets on the boxes, unless they are the CATV type with rubber with a metal flexible mesh over them for making contact with the cover, and an O-ring behind that to seal the box. Scrap CATV subscriber tap cases make pretty good shielded cases, and can often be had for free. With an insulated cover, the box won't be shielded on all sides. That Hammond box looks fine. Rick Kunath ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] coax update
> Radio Shack does have a metal box, but it is huge, at least > 6 inches by 6 inches. Much more than I need or want. But someone will > have smaller boxes I am sure. Here's a link to the box I've been using for various adapters.. http://www.newark.com/jsp/displayProduct.jsp?sku=84C9906&CMP=KNC-G1674&HBX_OU=50&HBX_PK=HAMMOND+1590G Newark is a decent mail-order supplier. The prices have increased on these by about a buck. Still, it's lunch money. The cast aluminum is very easy to fabricate. I had to drill a hole for the BNC and cut a rectangular hole for the RJ-45 jack. I used a metal punch both times. I reamed out the punched hole for a snug fit on the BNC jack. The RJ-45 jack was punched to the rough size and filed to fit. Both took little time. Hammond also makes weatherproof boxes like the 1590CW. Far more pricey, though. I'd think that a regular aluminum box and some silicone would do the job nearly as well. Maybe check an electrical supply house? They may stock some small weatherproof NEMA boxes. Probably nothing very small, though. Home Depot and Lowe's do stock weatherproof plastic boxes, but.. Craig Healy Providence, RI ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] coax update
Patrick: I hope you'll repeat the test with a transformer designed for MW use. TV splitters are rarely good for frequencies as low as the broadcast band. To cover .5 MHZ to over 500 MHZ in one design is tough. I'd assume your TV transformer is a 75 to 300 Ohm transformer, so it's not the impedance you need either. I've had no luck trying to find small, sealed metal boxes at Home Depot and have just bought them from eBay. Chuck -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Patrick Martin Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2007 7:02 PM To: irca@hard-core-dx.com; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [IRCA] coax update I found an old Sony TV matching transformer in a metal box. I pryed off the back and removed the coil, leaving the coax fitting. I drilled two holes and added two banana jax, and then installed the transformer, closed it up, replaced the banana plugs with a regular fitting on the coax outside, and then put a terminator on the end and then checked for leakage before I attached the transformer. Well, quite an improvement to say the least. Not perfect, but better. On CBU-690 I found a weak signal, not audible, but a few stronger Portland & Seattle stations were S2-S4. I found the three locals at S9. The higher the frequency the stronger the signals. KAST-1370 was stronger than KSWB-840. I then removed the termination and added the matching transformer and checked across the dial. I did find signals 90 degrees off from the beverage in many cases to be weaker. KAST-1370-Astoria to the North was S9+32 instead of S9+38. 1300 KKOL Seattle had more QRM from KACI The Dalles OR. So it made a difference. No doubt about it. It will be interesting to connect Quad RG6 and see what happens. But the matching transformer in a metal box did improve the directivity of the beverage. I stopped by Radio Shack and they did not have any small metal boxes. The only small one they had was plastic with a metal bottom. I will have to check around and see if Home Depot has any the next time I am in Portland. I would like to replace all of the other three matching transformer boxes. Thanks everyone for the great advice. Much appreciated. Oh by the way, attaching the clip from the ground rod to the coax shield now make practically no difference. Installing the matching transformer in the metal box seemed to have corrected that. 73, Patrick Patrick Martin KAVT Reception Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] coax update
Walt, It is funny you mentioned wrapping a box with foil. I thought about that today. But the coax fitting grounded to the metal box is superior I would think. Radio Shack does have a metal box, but it is huge, at least 6 inches by 6 inches. Much more than I need or want. But someone will have smaller boxes I am sure. 73, Patrick Patrick Martin KAVT Reception Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] coax update
With all this talk about metal boxes, why not line the plastic boxes or wrap them with aluminum foil, and then something a bit more weatherproof. Would this be a quick fix? Walt. - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Patrick Martin) Date: Sunday, August 19, 2007 7:08 pm Subject: [IRCA] coax update To: irca@hard-core-dx.com, [EMAIL PROTECTED] > I found an old Sony TV matching transformer in a metal box. I > pryed off > the back and removed the coil, leaving the coax fitting. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] coax update...
I tried something else. Just for giggles. I thought why not compare the new roll of cheapie RG59 I had with the old RG6 . So I put the termination cap on the end, ran the coax out the door over to the antenna, connected the other end to the R8. Interesting. I found the new RG59 to be slightly better than the old RG6. Not by much, but the lower frequencies including 840 KSWB Seaside were weaker. The upper frequencies were weaker too, but by less, like KAST 1370 was S8 instead of S9. So I do need some new Quad coax that is for sure!. But at least, I made an improvement. 73, Patrick Patrick Martin KAVT Reception Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] coax update
I found an old Sony TV matching transformer in a metal box. I pryed off the back and removed the coil, leaving the coax fitting. I drilled two holes and added two banana jax, and then installed the transformer, closed it up, replaced the banana plugs with a regular fitting on the coax outside, and then put a terminator on the end and then checked for leakage before I attached the transformer. Well, quite an improvement to say the least. Not perfect, but better. On CBU-690 I found a weak signal, not audible, but a few stronger Portland & Seattle stations were S2-S4. I found the three locals at S9. The higher the frequency the stronger the signals. KAST-1370 was stronger than KSWB-840. I then removed the termination and added the matching transformer and checked across the dial. I did find signals 90 degrees off from the beverage in many cases to be weaker. KAST-1370-Astoria to the North was S9+32 instead of S9+38. 1300 KKOL Seattle had more QRM from KACI The Dalles OR. So it made a difference. No doubt about it. It will be interesting to connect Quad RG6 and see what happens. But the matching transformer in a metal box did improve the directivity of the beverage. I stopped by Radio Shack and they did not have any small metal boxes. The only small one they had was plastic with a metal bottom. I will have to check around and see if Home Depot has any the next time I am in Portland. I would like to replace all of the other three matching transformer boxes. Thanks everyone for the great advice. Much appreciated. Oh by the way, attaching the clip from the ground rod to the coax shield now make practically no difference. Installing the matching transformer in the metal box seemed to have corrected that. 73, Patrick Patrick Martin KAVT Reception Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
