Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
Your questions are best answered by looking up the specifications of the particular crimp connector you will be using. The manufacturer of each crimp connector will have details regarding the stripping lengths and die sizes. Best bet is to Google the connector manufacturer. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: hitekgearhead hitekgearh...@hotmail.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2010 11:51 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please I know this has been thrown around a bit before but I could use a little assistance. I just purchased a crimper and a couple sets of dies. I bought some cheap BNC and TNC connectors to practice with along with some RG-58A/U cable. I bought 3 different sets of dies. One of which is for RG-8 size connectors so I am not really concerned with that yet. The other two dies have hex crimp sizes of .324, .255, .215, .100, .068 and .215, .184, .068, .042 Obviously these two dies duplicate the .215 and .068 sizes. Basically I am not sure what size hex to use for the above stated RG-58A/U and BNC and TNC connectors. Also, I have a question regarding stripping the cable. I am not going to be doing high volumes of cables, but probably will be doing them on different size of coax. Would you recommend a stripper or will a razor knife suffice. Lastly, and relating to the coax strippers: Don't different connectors, even on the same type/size of coax, need different stripping lengths? This would probably translate into quite a few different strippers for different cables and connectors, no? Thanks Albert Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.801 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2805 - Release Date: 04/11/10 14:32:00
Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
The die size is actually specific to the connector, but in my experience .215 (.213 on some crimpers) is the one you will use for the braid crimp on most RG-58 connectors. The smaller sizes is for crimping the center pin. This one really depends on the specific connector, but generally the .068 is for TNC, BNC and N center pin crimps. lh On Sun, Apr 11, 2010 at 11:51 PM, hitekgearhead hitekgearh...@hotmail.comwrote: I know this has been thrown around a bit before but I could use a little assistance. I just purchased a crimper and a couple sets of dies. I bought some cheap BNC and TNC connectors to practice with along with some RG-58A/U cable. I bought 3 different sets of dies. One of which is for RG-8 size connectors so I am not really concerned with that yet. The other two dies have hex crimp sizes of .324, .255, .215, .100, .068 and .215, .184, .068, .042 Obviously these two dies duplicate the .215 and .068 sizes. Basically I am not sure what size hex to use for the above stated RG-58A/U and BNC and TNC connectors. Also, I have a question regarding stripping the cable. I am not going to be doing high volumes of cables, but probably will be doing them on different size of coax. Would you recommend a stripper or will a razor knife suffice. Lastly, and relating to the coax strippers: Don't different connectors, even on the same type/size of coax, need different stripping lengths? This would probably translate into quite a few different strippers for different cables and connectors, no? Thanks Albert
Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
Oh, forgot to add... I never crimp the center pin - I always solder it. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Larry Horlick To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 9:26 AM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please The die size is actually specific to the connector, but in my experience .215 (.213 on some crimpers) is the one you will use for the braid crimp on most RG-58 connectors. The smaller sizes is for crimping the center pin. This one really depends on the specific connector, but generally the .068 is for TNC, BNC and N center pin crimps. lh
RE: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
I know this has been thrown around a bit before but I could use a little assistance. Go through the repeater-builder message archive on Yahoo groups. On 7/22/09 I posted a long message on the subject. Basically I am not sure what size hex to use for the above stated RG-58A/U and BNC and TNC connectors. The manufacturer's docs for the connectors will specify which die size to use. *Usually* the ferrule crimp for RG58 is 0.213. The center pin varies a bit between manufacturers. The biggest difference with the center pins is whether or not there is an area for the crimp close to the coax that is smaller diameter than the rest of the cylindrical part of the pin. Personally, I always solder the center pin, especially on cable with a solid center conductor. Also, I have a question regarding stripping the cable. I am not going to be doing high volumes of cables, but probably will be doing them on different size of coax. Would you recommend a stripper or will a razor knife suffice. A good utility knife will suffice with a little practice. Lastly, and relating to the coax strippers: Don't different connectors, even on the same type/size of coax, need different stripping lengths? Sometimes yes. This would probably translate into quite a few different strippers for different cables and connectors, no? Yes, it could. That's why it's worthwhile to standardize on what connectors and tools you use. --- Jeff WN3A
Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
Hi Albert, Do a Google search for THREE BLADE COAXIAL STRIPPERS. I just bought two pair from the ELECTRICAL TOOL STORE.COM for $10.50 each. They make a two blade tool also, but it does not do the complete job. After taking some RG/58, RG/400 Double Shield, RG/8X etc and just getting the hang of how it works, it all comes together. For a PL295 Vs a BNC you leave a little extra cable hanging out the right side of the stripper. All of a sudden I couldn't believe I had been doing the stripping by hand since I started using crimp connectors many years ago. I then went and bought one for the RG/8U and LMR/400 LARGE Cable. Don't use it much but much easier on the hands. The THREE BLADE for the large 8/U was harder to find but I got one on the web by searching for about $16.00. I think you will be happy, I am. GOOD LUCK///JIMKA2AJH On Sun, Apr 11, 2010 at 11:51 PM, hitekgearhead hitekgearh...@hotmail.comwrote: I know this has been thrown around a bit before but I could use a little assistance. I just purchased a crimper and a couple sets of dies. I bought some cheap BNC and TNC connectors to practice with along with some RG-58A/U cable. I bought 3 different sets of dies. One of which is for RG-8 size connectors so I am not really concerned with that yet. The other two dies have hex crimp sizes of .324, .255, .215, .100, .068 and .215, .184, .068, .042 Obviously these two dies duplicate the .215 and .068 sizes. Basically I am not sure what size hex to use for the above stated RG-58A/U and BNC and TNC connectors. Also, I have a question regarding stripping the cable. I am not going to be doing high volumes of cables, but probably will be doing them on different size of coax. Would you recommend a stripper or will a razor knife suffice. Lastly, and relating to the coax strippers: Don't different connectors, even on the same type/size of coax, need different stripping lengths? This would probably translate into quite a few different strippers for different cables and connectors, no? Thanks Albert
RE: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
Jeff Doesn't soldering of the center contact to the center conductor affect the connector PIM adversely vs not soldering? AC
RE: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
Not from what I've seen/read. Tin/lead and even the newer RoHS-compliant solders don't have ferrous components which is one of the biggest PIM concerns. Besides, just about every device in the RF path has some solder somewhere (cavity loops, integral connectors on equipment, heck even the antenna for most collinears). Suggested reading: http://www.amphenolrf.com/simple/PIM%20Paper.pdf http://www.sinctech.com/pdfs/Intermod.pdf http://www.imscs.com/passive-intermodulation.html I've been considering buying a PIM tester (Boonton PIM 20). If/when I do I guess I could give you my personal conclusion on the matter, but for now, all I have to go by is what I read... Later gator. You going to Dayton? --- Jeff WN3A -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of allan crites Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 11:27 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please Jeff Doesn't soldering of the center contact to the center conductor affect the connector PIM adversely vs not soldering? AC No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.801 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2792 - Release Date: 04/12/10 02:32:00
Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
What is the reason for soldering instead of crimping? lh On Mon, Apr 12, 2010 at 11:39 AM, Jeff DePolo j...@broadsci.com wrote: Not from what I've seen/read. Tin/lead and even the newer RoHS-compliant solders don't have ferrous components which is one of the biggest PIM concerns. Besides, just about every device in the RF path has some solder somewhere (cavity loops, integral connectors on equipment, heck even the antenna for most collinears). Suggested reading: http://www.amphenolrf.com/simple/PIM%20Paper.pdf http://www.sinctech.com/pdfs/Intermod.pdf http://www.imscs.com/passive-intermodulation.html I've been considering buying a PIM tester (Boonton PIM 20). If/when I do I guess I could give you my personal conclusion on the matter, but for now, all I have to go by is what I read... Later gator. You going to Dayton? --- Jeff WN3A -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.comRepeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.comRepeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of allan crites Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 11:27 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.comRepeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please Jeff Doesn't soldering of the center contact to the center conductor affect the connector PIM adversely vs not soldering? AC No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.801 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2792 - Release Date: 04/12/10 02:32:00
Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
To reduce PIM, the center conductor should be soldered. Whether there is a practical (measurable) difference would depend on how well the crimp was done, vs solder. From an Amphenol paper: Cable Attachment: Mechanical stability of the cable/connector junction is of utmost importance. Small movements caused by flexing can be translated into significant PIM. Center conductors should be soldered, not crimped. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: allan crites To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 11:26 AM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please Jeff Doesn't soldering of the center contact to the center conductor affect the connector PIM adversely vs not soldering? AC -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.801 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2806 - Release Date: 04/12/10 02:32:00
Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
Chuck, I work for a National Telecom company here in Canada and we crimp everything used on DS-3 (BNC) and above. For the center pin you need a 12 point circular crimper and for the sleeve you need a good quality hex crimper such as Tyco etc. These two items can run you several hundred dollars each. The SMB crimper that we use costs around $1100.00 I've probably done a few thousand of them and never had a failure. So the trick is to have good tools and know the proper way of installing the connector. Seems to me that someone once mentioned that you must use crimp connectors on aircraft...??? not sure if that is true John VE3AMZ - Original Message - From: Chuck Kelsey To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 11:49 AM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please To reduce PIM, the center conductor should be soldered. Whether there is a practical (measurable) difference would depend on how well the crimp was done, vs solder. From an Amphenol paper: Cable Attachment: Mechanical stability of the cable/connector junction is of utmost importance. Small movements caused by flexing can be translated into significant PIM. Center conductors should be soldered, not crimped. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: allan crites To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 11:26 AM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please Jeff Doesn't soldering of the center contact to the center conductor affect the connector PIM adversely vs not soldering? AC No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.801 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2806 - Release Date: 04/12/10 02:32:00
Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
Then I'm assuming that you'd agree that a typical ham-installed connector should probably have the center pin soldered? Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: John J. Riddell To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 8:46 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please Chuck, I work for a National Telecom company here in Canada and we crimp everything used on DS-3 (BNC) and above. For the center pin you need a 12 point circular crimper and for the sleeve you need a good quality hex crimper such as Tyco etc. These two items can run you several hundred dollars each. The SMB crimper that we use costs around $1100.00 I've probably done a few thousand of them and never had a failure. So the trick is to have good tools and know the proper way of installing the connector. Seems to me that someone once mentioned that you must use crimp connectors on aircraft...??? not sure if that is true John VE3AMZ - Original Message - From: Chuck Kelsey To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 11:49 AM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please To reduce PIM, the center conductor should be soldered. Whether there is a practical (measurable) difference would depend on how well the crimp was done, vs solder. From an Amphenol paper: Cable Attachment: Mechanical stability of the cable/connector junction is of utmost importance. Small movements caused by flexing can be translated into significant PIM. Center conductors should be soldered, not crimped. Chuck WB2EDV
Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
On Mon, 12 Apr 2010, Chuck Kelsey wrote: Then I'm assuming that you'd agree that a typical ham-installed connector should probably have the center pin soldered? Chuck WB2EDV Whatever the connector is designed for. I solder them, my father solders them, and three or four two-way radio shops I know of solder them. I usually don't buy connectors that require the center-pin the be crimped. There may be connector fit issues after soldering. However, your typical ham-installed connector may be held on with duct-tape and baling wire, glow red hot at times, and simultaneously function as a 3x, 5x, 7x, 9x, and 11x multiplier and mixer at the same time. Or it may simply be slipped onto the coax, held in place with a friction fit and/or cold solder joint -- Kris Kirby, KE4AHR Disinformation Analyst
Re: [Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
On Mon, 12 Apr 2010, hitekgearhead wrote: I know this has been thrown around a bit before but I could use a little assistance. I just purchased a crimper and a couple sets of dies. I bought some cheap BNC and TNC connectors to practice with along with some RG-58A/U cable. I bought 3 different sets of dies. One of which is for RG-8 size connectors so I am not really concerned with that yet. The other two dies have hex crimp sizes of .324, .255, .215, .100, .068 and .215, .184, .068, .042 Obviously these two dies duplicate the .215 and .068 sizes. .215 is what I use for RG-58, .255 is used for RG-59/LMR-240/RG-8X. I think .68 or .100 is used for the center pin of either of those, but it's often connector dependent. The .042 crimp will be for the smaller varieties of coax like RG-174's center pin (or perhaps the micro-coax they use in the U.FL connectors.) If you look around, you'll find that you've equipped yourself to crimp anything from RG-6 all the way down to RG-174, and certain types of Fiber Optics. I'm a firm believer in investing in good tools. I think you've made the purchase of a lifetime, so to speak. You won't have to replace that crimper until you either wear it out or need to replace the jaws. Basically I am not sure what size hex to use for the above stated RG-58A/U and BNC and TNC connectors. .215. Also, I have a question regarding stripping the cable. I am not going to be doing high volumes of cables, but probably will be doing them on different size of coax. Would you recommend a stripper or will a razor knife suffice. If you're making a lot of cables, the stripping tools they make are excellent for speeding coax preparation. Most of them make cable prep easier than cutting copper pipe. Lastly, and relating to the coax strippers: Don't different connectors, even on the same type/size of coax, need different stripping lengths? This would probably translate into quite a few different strippers for different cables and connectors, no? You can kinda eye-ball this using a nice pair of strippers, a sharp knife, and some careful cutting. Just remember that you can't allow either piece to touch and that you don't have to strip to entire center conductor. Also, the shield should usually be cut back to just long enough to interface with the shield ring, preferably the entire length of the shield ring. I usually strip about 2 of RG-58 of the outer jacket, cut the shield down to 1/2 from the jacket, then start eyeballing to figure out where I have to strip the inner conductor to get it out of the end of the center pin. Or into the center pin, as the case may be. -- Kris Kirby, KE4AHR Disinformation Analyst
[Repeater-Builder] crimping assistance please
I know this has been thrown around a bit before but I could use a little assistance. I just purchased a crimper and a couple sets of dies. I bought some cheap BNC and TNC connectors to practice with along with some RG-58A/U cable. I bought 3 different sets of dies. One of which is for RG-8 size connectors so I am not really concerned with that yet. The other two dies have hex crimp sizes of .324, .255, .215, .100, .068 and .215, .184, .068, .042 Obviously these two dies duplicate the .215 and .068 sizes. Basically I am not sure what size hex to use for the above stated RG-58A/U and BNC and TNC connectors. Also, I have a question regarding stripping the cable. I am not going to be doing high volumes of cables, but probably will be doing them on different size of coax. Would you recommend a stripper or will a razor knife suffice. Lastly, and relating to the coax strippers: Don't different connectors, even on the same type/size of coax, need different stripping lengths? This would probably translate into quite a few different strippers for different cables and connectors, no? Thanks Albert
