[NLRS] VHF/UHF rotator loops

[Charlie Betz]

Bill,

I have used both LMR400 and FSJ4-50 for rotor loops.  The LMR400 is a 
bit stiff, but I just make the loop a little bit bigger than I did for 
other RG-8 size coax and have never had problems with it.

  If you decide to go with FSJ cable I highly recommend getting one of 
the cable prep tools - I don't have one and really wish I did. The 
connectors are really easy to install once the cable is prepped 
(probably the easiest of any I have ever installed), but prepping the 
cable with a hacksaw is kind of a pain.

I have also used some of the LMR400 "knock-offs"; specifically I have 
used the Cinta RFC400 from Shireen Inc.  It's decent cable and they have 
some good connectors also.  I have also used their RFC600, which I 
really like for main feedlines.  I may have used some of the other 
brands also, but I don't remember.  W5SWL sells some nice connectors 
also.  I've bought lots of them from him.

I started using crimp style connectors a number of years back. For the 
most part I like them, although on the 400 size cable I've had some that 
don't seem to crimp tight and have had the shell pull off the cables.  
I'm not sure if it's my crimp tool or if the crimp ring on those 
connectors were slightly too large.  I've never had that problem with 
other cables sizes (both larger and smaller than 400).

Charlie, N0AKC



On 3/19/2022 12:18 PM, Bill Davis via NLRS 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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