Re: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs

[Clay Melhorn]

This is the short tool most everyone carries that I know that works in TV 
distribution..

I also have one with a long screwdriver shaft that works better for tightly 
racked equipment.

such as the TV head-end I have at the hospital I work for.

Most of the time you cannot possibly get a hand in and tighten or loosen.

This one is excellent and can be even attached to your key ring.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Cable-Security-Shield-Filter-Removing/dp/B001T75RGU/ref=sr_1_8/189-9366517-7553866?ie=UTF8&qid=1384496250&sr=8-8&keywords=f+connector+wrench

73'

Clay Melhorn N9IO Bonfield, IL
Webmaster: KARS - Kankakee Area Radio Society - W9AZ http://www.w9az.com/
 

> From: w...@arrl.net
> Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 07:19:54 -0800
> To: n...@contesting.com
> CC: Topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs
> 
> On Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 4:38 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:
> 
> That is certainly possible, Frank - I've been using Ideal compression
> > connectors from Home Depot. I have not had any reliability problems with
> > them at all - they are just a pita to connect and disconnect.
> >
> 
> The cable guys around here have some sort of neat slip on/over wrench.
> Seems to work like a charm.
> 
> Google f-type connector wrench.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Hank, W6SX
> _
> Topband Reflector
  
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: bias tee

[Jeff Woods]

If you're switching Beverages, the transformer can serve double-duty as the DC 
isolation as well as impedance transformation.  75 (or 50) ohm winding in 
series with the coax center and the relay.  RF bypass capacitor across the 
relay coil.  

The BN202-73 or -43 cores work well for this application.  Toroids.info has a 
handy calculator for inductance.

-Jeff W0ODS


>
> From: "donov...@starpower.net" 
>To: Pete Smith N4ZR ; topband@contesting.com 
>Cc: Topband@contesting.com 
>Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2013 8:11 AM
>Subject: Re: Topband: bias tee
> 
>
>Hi Pete,
>
>You can use your MFJ 259 to measure loss through your bias-T setup.  
>
>100 microhenries should be adequate; however, a properly designed bias-T 
>should always have  two inductors at the injection and and two at the far end 
>of the coax cable.   The series inductor isolates the power injection port 
>from the RF path and and an inductor to ground protects the RF electronics 
>(preamps and transceivers) from damage if the series capacitor feeding that 
>port should short.
>
>My bias Ts use simple homebrew inductors, just a few turns of wire on a 
>ferrite core.  Use your MFJ-259 to optimize the inductors.
>
>73
>Frank
>W3LPL
>
>
>- Original Message -
>From: Pete Smith N4ZR 
>To: Topband@contesting.com
>Sent: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 07:58:47 -0500 (EST)
>Subject: Topband: bias tee
>
>I am using my coax to feed 12 VDC to my remote RX antenna locations, 
>using a traditional bias tee, but am having some trouble with 
>performance. I'm using 100 uH Radio Shack chokes in my bias tee, and am 
>wondering if perhaps that is insufficient inductance for 160 meter 
>operation. If so, what would be an appropriate value?
>
>-- 
>73, Pete N4ZR
>Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
>http://reversebeacon.net,
>blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
>For spots, please go to your favorite
>ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.
>
>_
>Topband Reflector
>
>_
>Topband Reflector
>
>
>
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Wanted - Hardline connectors

[Jim GM]

Our Cities rat issue is easting the underground TWC in chases in the
street. Stupid critters even eat through concrete.

IMT Ridged rusts through in Wisconsin soil around 15 years. Sked 40 or 80
Pipe with PVC pushed inside should last a life time.  Back in the day at
the paper mill we used Sked 40 with lined PVC, special made stuff buried
that underground lasted over 30 years and no doubt is still there intact.

Gas line was double jacketed. Stuff is over 60 years and still going.
 Inner jacket copper pipe still like new.

-- 
Jim K9TF
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs

[Hank Garretson]

On Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 4:38 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:

That is certainly possible, Frank - I've been using Ideal compression
> connectors from Home Depot.  I have not had any reliability problems with
> them at all - they are just a pita to connect and disconnect.
>

The cable guys around here have some sort of neat slip on/over wrench.
Seems to work like a charm.

Google f-type connector wrench.

73,

Hank, W6SX
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs

[Tom W8JI]

There are push on F connectors, and I use them, but I use them wisely. I 
minimize my dependence on having a perfect shield connection as much as 
reasonably possible.


For example, my swap over from house operation to contest barn operation is 
all via push-on F connections. I have zero problems with shield ingress. I 
would not use them out in the rain, or in a situation where I could not 
mitigate small issues with shield connection resistance.


A push-on F is about as reliable as a BNC electrically, although physically 
it has no mechanical locking.






- Original Message - 
From: "Pete Smith N4ZR" 

To: "George Dubovsky" 
Cc: "topband reflector" ; "Frank Donovan" 


Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2013 9:18 AM
Subject: Re: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs



Thanks, all - you've persuaded me.

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.

On 11/14/2013 8:14 AM, George Dubovsky wrote:

Pete,

I recommend you stay with the F-connectors. BNCs are fine in a lab 
environment where cables must be disconnected often, but their 
convenience factor comes with a trade-off in reliability. If, however, 
you are connecting and disconnecting F-connectors a lot, the female F 
will start to show reliability problems also.


73,

geo - n4ua


On Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 7:38 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR > wrote:


That is certainly possible, Frank - I've been using Ideal
compression connectors from Home Depot.  I have not had any
reliability problems with them at all - they are just a pita to
connect and disconnect.

If a BNC is wrapped with Scotch 2242, over-wrapped with Scotch
88+, and not submerged, shouldn't that be adequate?


73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com
.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.

On 11/14/2013 7:31 AM, donov...@starpower.net
 wrote:

Hi Pete,

I wonder why you've decided to switch to BNCs?   They have
their own issues and they've completely unsuitable for outdoor
use.
I wonder if perhaps you've been using poor quality F connectors?

73
Frank
W3LPL


- Original Message -
From: Pete Smith N4ZR >
To: Topband@contesting.com 
Sent: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 07:24:59 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs

I have finally decided to go through my RX antenna systems and
replace
all the F connectors with BNCs. My coax is all RG-6 Quad shield. 
I

would like to find an all-crimp BNC male solution, or failing
that, one
that only requires soldering the center conductor.

Any advice on which connectors would be best, or which to stay
away from?


_
Topband Reflector




_
Topband Reflector


-
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_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: bias tee

[Tom W8JI]

I am using my coax to feed 12 VDC to my remote RX antenna locations, using 
a traditional bias tee, but am having some trouble with performance.  I'm 
using 100 uH Radio Shack chokes in my bias tee, and am wondering if perhaps 
that is insufficient inductance for 160 meter operation.  If so, what would 
be an appropriate value?


100 uH should be more than enough inductance if bypassing is good and the 
choke has proper current rating headroom, and also have a properly 
constructed box for the bias T that allows good bypassing.


Of course we should remember chokes have more than an inductance. They have 
a series resistance that varies with frequency, and a current rating for 
heat, and a flux density characteristic that changes inductance or clips 
waveforms if they have an iron core.  The flux density is a function of dc 
and ac currents through the choke, or you could look at it RF voltage across 
the choke and DC or low frequency AC currents through the choke.


Any answer is meaningless unless we know:

The type of issues you have
The application in detail
The type of bypassing in the bias T
The physical layout, especially for ground paths
The bias current

73 Tom 


_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

Thanks, all - you've persuaded me.

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.

On 11/14/2013 8:14 AM, George Dubovsky wrote:

Pete,

I recommend you stay with the F-connectors. BNCs are fine in a lab 
environment where cables must be disconnected often, but their 
convenience factor comes with a trade-off in reliability. If, however, 
you are connecting and disconnecting F-connectors a lot, the female F 
will start to show reliability problems also.


73,

geo - n4ua


On Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 7:38 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR > wrote:


That is certainly possible, Frank - I've been using Ideal
compression connectors from Home Depot.  I have not had any
reliability problems with them at all - they are just a pita to
connect and disconnect.

If a BNC is wrapped with Scotch 2242, over-wrapped with Scotch
88+, and not submerged, shouldn't that be adequate?


73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com
.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.

On 11/14/2013 7:31 AM, donov...@starpower.net
 wrote:

Hi Pete,

I wonder why you've decided to switch to BNCs?   They have
their own issues and they've completely unsuitable for outdoor
use.
I wonder if perhaps you've been using poor quality F connectors?

73
Frank
W3LPL


- Original Message -
From: Pete Smith N4ZR >
To: Topband@contesting.com 
Sent: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 07:24:59 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs

I have finally decided to go through my RX antenna systems and
replace
all the F connectors with BNCs. My coax is all RG-6 Quad shield. I
would like to find an all-crimp BNC male solution, or failing
that, one
that only requires soldering the center conductor.

Any advice on which connectors would be best, or which to stay
away from?


_
Topband Reflector




_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: bias tee

[donovanf]

Hi Pete,

You can use your MFJ 259 to measure loss through your bias-T setup.   

100 microhenries should be adequate; however, a properly designed bias-T should 
always have  two inductors at the injection and and two at the far end of the 
coax cable.   The series inductor isolates the power injection port from the RF 
path and and an inductor to ground protects the RF electronics (preamps and 
transceivers) from damage if the series capacitor feeding that port should 
short.

My bias Ts use simple homebrew inductors, just a few turns of wire on a ferrite 
core.  Use your MFJ-259 to optimize the inductors.

73
Frank
W3LPL

- Original Message -
From: Pete Smith N4ZR 
To: Topband@contesting.com
Sent: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 07:58:47 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Topband: bias tee

I am using my coax to feed 12 VDC to my remote RX antenna locations, 
using a traditional bias tee, but am having some trouble with 
performance. I'm using 100 uH Radio Shack chokes in my bias tee, and am 
wondering if perhaps that is insufficient inductance for 160 meter 
operation. If so, what would be an appropriate value?

-- 
73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.

_
Topband Reflector

_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs

[Brad Rehm]

"If a BNC is wrapped with Scotch 2242, over-wrapped with Scotch 88+, and
not submerged, shouldn't that be adequate?"

If you do all this, wouldn't that make BNCs a pita too?

Brad
KV5V
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs

[George Dubovsky]

Pete,

I recommend you stay with the F-connectors. BNCs are fine in a lab
environment where cables must be disconnected often, but their convenience
factor comes with a trade-off in reliability. If, however, you are
connecting and disconnecting F-connectors a lot, the female F will start to
show reliability problems also.

73,

geo - n4ua


On Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 7:38 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:

> That is certainly possible, Frank - I've been using Ideal compression
> connectors from Home Depot.  I have not had any reliability problems with
> them at all - they are just a pita to connect and disconnect.
>
> If a BNC is wrapped with Scotch 2242, over-wrapped with Scotch 88+, and
> not submerged, shouldn't that be adequate?
>
>
> 73, Pete N4ZR
> Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
> http://reversebeacon.net,
> blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
> For spots, please go to your favorite
> ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.
>
> On 11/14/2013 7:31 AM, donov...@starpower.net wrote:
>
>> Hi Pete,
>>
>> I wonder why you've decided to switch to BNCs?   They have their own
>> issues and they've completely unsuitable for outdoor use.
>> I wonder if perhaps you've been using poor quality F connectors?
>>
>> 73
>> Frank
>> W3LPL
>>
>>
>> - Original Message -
>> From: Pete Smith N4ZR 
>> To: Topband@contesting.com
>> Sent: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 07:24:59 -0500 (EST)
>> Subject: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs
>>
>> I have finally decided to go through my RX antenna systems and replace
>> all the F connectors with BNCs. My coax is all RG-6 Quad shield. I
>> would like to find an all-crimp BNC male solution, or failing that, one
>> that only requires soldering the center conductor.
>>
>> Any advice on which connectors would be best, or which to stay away from?
>>
>>
> _
> Topband Reflector
>
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: bias tee

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

I am using my coax to feed 12 VDC to my remote RX antenna locations, 
using a traditional bias tee, but am having some trouble with 
performance.  I'm using 100 uH Radio Shack chokes in my bias tee, and am 
wondering if perhaps that is insufficient inductance for 160 meter 
operation.  If so, what would be an appropriate value?


--
73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.

_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

That is certainly possible, Frank - I've been using Ideal compression 
connectors from Home Depot.  I have not had any reliability problems 
with them at all - they are just a pita to connect and disconnect.


If a BNC is wrapped with Scotch 2242, over-wrapped with Scotch 88+, and 
not submerged, shouldn't that be adequate?


73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.

On 11/14/2013 7:31 AM, donov...@starpower.net wrote:

Hi Pete,

I wonder why you've decided to switch to BNCs?   They have their own issues and 
they've completely unsuitable for outdoor use.
I wonder if perhaps you've been using poor quality F connectors?

73
Frank
W3LPL


- Original Message -
From: Pete Smith N4ZR 
To: Topband@contesting.com
Sent: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 07:24:59 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs

I have finally decided to go through my RX antenna systems and replace
all the F connectors with BNCs. My coax is all RG-6 Quad shield. I
would like to find an all-crimp BNC male solution, or failing that, one
that only requires soldering the center conductor.

Any advice on which connectors would be best, or which to stay away from?



_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs

[donovanf]

Hi Pete,

I wonder why you've decided to switch to BNCs?   They have their own issues and 
they've completely unsuitable for outdoor use.
I wonder if perhaps you've been using poor quality F connectors?

73
Frank
W3LPL


- Original Message -
From: Pete Smith N4ZR 
To: Topband@contesting.com
Sent: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 07:24:59 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs

I have finally decided to go through my RX antenna systems and replace 
all the F connectors with BNCs. My coax is all RG-6 Quad shield. I 
would like to find an all-crimp BNC male solution, or failing that, one 
that only requires soldering the center conductor.

Any advice on which connectors would be best, or which to stay away from?

-- 
73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.

_
Topband Reflector

_
Topband Reflector

Topband: Replacing F Connectors with BNCs

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

I have finally decided to go through my RX antenna systems and replace 
all the F connectors with BNCs.  My coax is all RG-6 Quad shield.  I 
would like to find an all-crimp BNC male solution, or failing that, one 
that only requires soldering the center conductor.


Any advice on which connectors would be best, or which to stay away from?

--
73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.

_
Topband Reflector