Have an FAQ not listed here? Ask us!
Q: What is the difference between an N Connector and a UHF (PL259 Connector)?
A: UHF (PL259, SO239) coaxial connectors are general purpose connectors for use in low frequency applications from 0.6 – 300 MHz – UHF is an acronym for Ultra High Frequency. Large-size threaded coupling is a rugged design for non-demanding specifications and are lower cost.
N-Type connectors are robust, weatherproof, medium-size RF connectors with consistent performance through 11 GHz. Our N-Type connectors are made with a threaded coupling mechanism which is fully interchangeable with N-Type connectors made to the MIL-C-39012 specification. N-Type connectors are used in all systems where first-rate RF and mechanical performance is critical.
Q: What does LMR400 Type mean?
A: It means that it is equivalent to Times Microwave product, plus our products have a Ultra-Violet (sunlight) resistant and direct burial Jacket.
Q: What WP-HST mean?
A: Weather-Proof Heat Shrink Tubing.
Note: We apply to every cable assembly, adding longer-life to your assemblies.
Q: What does RG8/U mean?
A: First; the RG means: Radio Grade, the U means Usage.
A: Second, the Number denotes the cable Size.
Note: Third, it’s only product group indicator.
Q: My coax cable is about 15 years old, should I replace it?
A: Yes, Cable like everything else, ages. Under normal use and weather conditions it is recommend to replace your cable every eight – ten years. During that period visually inspect for damage or corrosion.
Statement: But it seems to work fine.
Reply: How do you know that?
A: Checked w/VSWR meter.
Reply: That can be misleading.
Reply: Why.
A: VSWR is only showing that the Antenna is resonant on the testing frequency. It is not indicating the integrity of the cable.
Example: Your automobile tires have traveled 50000 miles, and they look fine. Until you have a blow-out and that usually happens at the worst place and time. You can apply the same thought to your coax cable, a blow-out will damage your Transmitter. That will cost a lot more money then simply replacing the cable!
Q: I see different jackets types advertised, what are the differences, and why I should care.
A:Jacket Types:
PVC-I Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), black (contaminating).
Contaminating jackets will breakdown from sunlight (Ultra-Violet Resistant), and cannot be buried. The PVC-I is rated with a shorter life cycle than PVC-IIA.
Suitable for low grade jumpers.
PVC-IIA Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), black (non-contaminating).
Non-Contaminating jackets will not breakdown from sunlight (Ultra-Violet Resistant), and suitable for direct burial without conduit. The PVC-IIA is rated with a twenty-year life cycle.
The best all-around jacket.
PE-IIIA Polyethylene (PE), black High Density.
High Density Polyethylene is stiffer than PVC, with a shiny hard finish that is weatherproof.
Good for stationary applications.
Q: I am operating on 10, 15, and 20 Meters. AntennA: Tri-Band and a 1500-Watt Amplifier.
A: RG213/U 2213A-PL-“length”
Reasons: 2213A (RG213/U) uses a solid polyethylene dielectric which stands up to high power more efficiently and for a long time.
Q: I am operating w/a five band vertical antenna, barefoot. My run is 50ft.
A: Two choices:
RG213/U 2213A-PL-“length” (robust as noted above)
RG8x 218XATC-PL-“length” (lightweight and less money)
Q: I am operating 2 Meters w/a J-Pole; my run is 100ft.
A:RG8x 218XATC-PL-“length” (lightweight, less strain on the antenna)
Q: Can I bury the 2213A cable. For that matter, can I bury the 218AXTC and the 25400F?
Yes, all brands of ABR cables are suitable for direct burial, either in conduct or in earth. The key is to avoid standing water.
Q: The 25400F has lower attenuation @ 30MHz by a 0.2dB over the 2213A (RG213/U)? So why not use it instead.
A: The 25400F uses a Gas-Injected Foam Polyethylene and although tough, it was specifically designed to perform handsomely at the higher frequency range.
A: The solid polyethylene used in the 2213A (RG213/U) cable was designed to handle the higher power below 30MHz.
Q: I am operating 144MHz (two meters) and 440MHz, to a tower mounted antenna 100ft away.
A: For radios w/SO239 (UHF Female) use 25400F-PL-“length”.
A: For radios w/N female jacks use 25400F-NM-“length”
A: For radio w/a combination of a SO239 (UHF Female) to a N Female jack use 25400F-NM-PL-“length”
Q: Which ground braid should I use:
A: For grounding equipment in the shack: 233/2-4X-Length
Note: do not use in “series” instead ground equipment separately, in a sun-ray fashion.
A:For heavy grade usage: 235-5X-length (1 Inch) tower legs, and/or from the central point to the ground rod.
Q: What are Reverse Polarity Connectors:
A: A reverse polarity coax connector is a variation of a standard polarized connector in which the gender of the interface has been reversed. The term “reverse polarity” refers not to the signal polarity of the connector itself, but to the gender of the center contact pin. A reverse polarized connector will have the same external housing (body) as a standard connector (jack or plug threading), but the center pin is altered to be reversed. Thus, a reverse polarized jack has a male pin in place of the standard female type pin/receptacle and a reverse polarized plug will have a center receptacle (female) instead of a male pin. The connector body is commonly referred to as a “plug” or “jack” (for example reverse polarity TNC plug) instead of “male” or “female”. The terms male and female are used when describing the center pin of a reverse polarized coax connector.
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