A *GOOD* F connector??

[John Wilke K9RZZ]

All the crimp on F connectors I get around here are junk. The rings split, they don't grip very well, and are always falling apart. Who makes a SOLID F connector that actually holds ??? :confused:

If RG6 had a copper shield I'd solder everything !! :mad:

[Russ-PA]

I haven't had any problems with the Radio Shack "Gold" ones and I've been using them for several years.

[John Wilke K9RZZ]

This one?

http://support.radioshack.com/support_tutorials/audio_video/Images/F-con.jpg

[w9wi]

Lowe's sells decent crimp-on connectors and the tools to install them. The tools aren't cheap, but probably worth it.

[Russ-PA]

I believe I misled you, John - I don't use the crimp-type but rather the twist-on type.

[Danny]

Lowe's sells decent crimp-on connectors and the tools to install them. The tools aren't cheap, but probably worth it.

I have a professional grade crimp tool for RG-6 and RG-11, and it is worth the price.

Danny
Shreveport, LA

[John Wilke K9RZZ]

http://support.radioshack.com/support_tutorials/audio_video/Images/F-con.jpg

This is the twist on connector, isn't it?

I'll pop for the $$ tools. I think they make 'em to do BNC's also.

No other: "I use ... " ??

Anyone? Nobody does F connectors?

[Danny]

I haven't bought any F connectors in a few years because I bought a large quantity for RG-6 and RG-11 from Mouser, the mail order parts company.

Danny
Shreveport, LA

[w9wi]

This is the twist on connector, isn't it?


Yes, that's the twist on. We *used* to use them at work. They suck.

I mean, they leak (RF) like a sieve, and they don't stay on the cable reliably. I would imagine they leak water like a sieve too. I wouldn't think of using one outdoors.

(if you've ever watched a Badger hockey game, you know "Sieve!" is not a good thing!)

[Russ-PA]

As I said, I've used the RS Gold twist-on F's for the past 4 years with no problems. I use them only inside in the shack and they get minimal strain in use because mostly nothing moves around.

[Mike-CT]

Like Russ, I use some twist-on connectors inside but I wouldn't trust them outside. I use the crimp on connectors outside.

[John Wilke K9RZZ]

Okay, so I plunk down my $50 for the PRO COMPRESSION TOOL KIT with the Thomas & Betts SNS1p6q F connector for quad RG6.

http://www.techtoolsupply.com/ProductImages/tools/CCT21.jpg


http://www.techtoolsupply.com/ProductImages/rg6_fittings/Thumb_sns1p6q.jpg

I'm thinking "Alright ... finally some F connectors that will last!" :laughing:

I put the first one on ....

IT FALLS APART !!

I try another one ... and another ... 3 more ...

THEY ALL FALL APART BEFORE I GET THEM OUT OF THE TOOL !!

WHAT A PIECE OF .... !! :mad:

Is this the wrong connector or what??

:banghead:

[John Wilke K9RZZ]

Update ...

I've tried another half dozen connectors on 3 different pieces of RG6 ...

they all fall apart. They feel like the electrical connection is good, but a slight tugg, and the connector falls off.

Gonna try to glue them on with some JB WELD (http://jbweld.net/products/jbweld.php) (You could build a house with that stuff)

THAT outta hold 'em ! :cool:

[John Wilke K9RZZ]

http://www.interstateelectronics.com/howto/cx3.jpg

How to install "F" connectors... (http://www.interstateelectronics.com/howto/coaxterm.html)

Maybe .... I forgot a step. :duh:

:o

[John Wilke K9RZZ]

Final report (in case anyone really cares).

The JB Welded connector will NOT come off no matter how hard I pull.

The next ones will be put on correctly, then be cemented with JB Weld. They will be water proof and PERMANENT.

:laughing:

http://members.aol.com/j999w/F2.jpg

http://members.aol.com/j999w/F1.jpg

[John Wilke K9RZZ]

Final - final follow up:

I also got a crimper tool like this one.

http://gilchrist-electric.com/Images/Video/small_hex_crimper.jpg

SWEET. Worth the bux.

Now when I stick my FM array on the roof, I know my coax connections won't fail in mid February.

;)

[Danny]

That tool looks a lot more like my crimper than the first one you showed.

I never tried JB Weld on connections, but you might be onto something.

Danny
Shreveport, LA

[John Wilke K9RZZ]

That first tool isn't really a crimper, but a compression tool for compression F connectors ('ya gott wrap the foil backwards for the connector to have something to grab on to :duh: ).

The second one is the hexagonal crimper which I suppose you could use with BNC connectors too?? :confused:

[Guy in WNY]

I've used the big crimper (and still have it) shown in the photo - the one shown in post 16. I also now use a crimper from the Shack, just like a pliers type that has different sized spots for the different types of connectors. I use the coax stripper from the shack as well.
These two tools work as reliably as anything I've ever used execept for the professional crimper Rich has. I borrow that for doing the outside ends, sometimes.
I'll post up some photos when I get a moment.
Guy in WNY

[Chuck Rippel]

The best are used in the CATV Industry but require special tools to install them. The minimum are in the picture below. They include an end cutter by Cable Prep, an extremely high quality, weatherproof RG-6 connector and a Linear Compressor.

These RG6 connectors that are used up to 750 mhz.

I can get you the names/suppliers, if you wish.

[John Wilke K9RZZ]

Now THAT's an F connector! http://www.freedomcrowsnest.org/forum/images/smiles/tongue.gif

I'm happy with what I've got going now, but just curious what brand and model # those are.

Also, is that your tower? Do tell what 'ya got up there.

[Chuck Rippel]

Yepper, thats my 60' tower. There is a 120 footer to the left and slightly behind me, 90' away.

Lessee..... on the tower are an M2 6M9KHW 6M antenna. 9 Elements on a
50' boom. There there is me standing on the boom of the M2 :eek: Above that is a 6 bay UHF antenna and at the top is an APS-13.

Chuck Rippel
---


Now THAT's an F connector! http://www.freedomcrowsnest.org/forum/images/smiles/tongue.gif

I'm happy with what I've got going now, but just curious what brand and model # those are.

Also, is that your tower? Do tell what 'ya got up there.

[KC5KBV]

I wished I had discovered compression connectors a few years ago. I just replaced my inside connections with them and its made a huge difference in maintaining a signal.

I'll never use crimp on F connectors again.