[NLRS] VHF/UHF rotator loops

[BRUCE WW8II]

Bill
I have used, good old RG 8 in the past but I now use 9913 super flex ..The
LMR 400 real stuff made by Times Wire is ok but I think it may be a bit
stiff for use on loops.   The so-called look alike is just that look alike,
in my opinion total junk.. I ran a couple runs out back with my 7/8 heliax,
that  I run on 160 and as I was pulling it through the 2 inch PVC tubing
(that I was going to bury the cables in) I found that that as I pulled it
through  the outer coating of the look alike stuff rubbed right off leaving
the coax shield exposed.  So I would not ever use the cheap stuff. I have
had some experience using crimp connectors but have never had good luck
with them. So I take the time to install type N solder on klind, on all my
cables. Of course NEVER use PL 259 type connectors..  I was going to use
3/8 superflex heliax for my loops  but opted for the 9913 super flex since
I already had it.  I am running 1/2 in LDF on 6 meters and 7/8 LDF on my 2
mtrs. and 432 systems main feedlines. I have had a water issue with my 160
set up where water managed to get into the connector where I spliced cables
together.. That was my  fault, I used some old FSJ which is spiral and
there was a knick in the outer cover and YEP water traveled just like it
was a pipeline.. So I now use only the LDF ribbed stuff.  I seal my
connectors to prevent water issues by taping the connectors extremely well
and extend the tape at least 6 inches past the connector and then I use
FLEX SEAL .. I love this stuff but it can be messy, I have used both the
paint on and the spray on .. So far no leaks.  The reason for the tape is
so if it ever becomes necessary to remove the connector the sticky stuff is
on the tape not directly on the connector.  ( PUT the sticky stuff on the
coax directly past the tape)
*THE  ONLY ADVICE I CAN REALLY GIVE IS DO NOT WASTE YOUR CASH ON THE LOOK
ALIKE JUNK SO CALLED COAX*.. I am not sure that stuff is even good for
inside use.  ( I bought (4) 250 foot runs from R&L several years ago
because at the time it was really CHEAP) MY BOO BOO.. NOW I use it for one
of the beverage antennas,   I use the outer shield,,
I will be on 1899 tonight (0200) with Jeff and Don and whoever else shows up

Bruce WW8II
cell 307 287 6991


On Sat, Mar 19, 2022 at 1:19 PM Bill Davis via NLRS <nlrs at mailman.qth.net>
wrote:

>   This spring I need to plan on replacing many of my coax drops from the
> antennas to the hard lines at the top of the tower, including the rotator
> loops. The old coax lines are over 20yrs old and are 9913 superflex (NOT
> cellular coax). I have had no KNOWN issues until the day before the arrival
> this year of "real winter" when I discovered WATER in the 1296 coax.
> (Elevated SWR) which had NEVER been observed in the past. I have never
> known this to be an issue before. Given the lateness I did no trouble
> shooting of this cable since I would have had no opportunity to replace it
> regardless. I just drained it for 2 days.
>   The question is --- "this day and time" what are people using for such
> cables. LMR400UF ?? or ??.  It looks like LMR400UF is over $2 a foot. I
> sure do NOT look forward to this job and want the job to last without
> service for hopefully 15yrs or more. I HAVE NOT used any crimped type
> connectors before. Not sure if I will this time or not. All connecters
> solder type and are type N with the exception of a couple. (2m 6m)
>   Comments - recommendations - etc are being solicited.
>   Are there cable brands to avoid since so many different outfits are
> selling LMR400UF "equal" coax? Retailers? etc
>   Thanks 73  -  Bill  K0AWU
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