Posted: 1/20/2011 3:11:39 PM EDT
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Hello,
Here is my second question of the day. I am fairly good at building cables, but the only ones that i have had any reason to make are TV coax cables, cable tv and telephone drops in walls, and RJ-45 network cables. I used to work for a Home Theater installation place here in Houston and have lotsa experience hooking up electronics. I would much rather buy the bulk cables and build my own than pay a company for something that is too long. I guess I just get a measure of enjoyment out of making my own cables and thinking that if I need a longer one or shorter one I can make it and don't have to trek out to a store or wait for mail order. so my question: Is there anywhere that have tutorials on how to cut and terminate your own cables that are used in Ham Radio. secondly: Where to get the tools, bulk cable and the terminations to make these cables?(preferably at good prices) As a side note, I have a friend that works in the communication cable industry and I usually get all my coax and cat5-6 for free from him. He has also given me all the tool that I use for building cables as well. S |
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Generally speaking, you will need 50 ohm coax. TV/cable TV coax is 75ohm. Connectors like the pl-259 and BNC's are available from many suppliers. Occasionally we (hams) will use a crimp-on connector but normally use a solder-on connector.
HRO, RF Parts, Mouser and MCM to name a few are GTG for coax and connectors. Pay particular attention to the quality of connectors used. Rat-Shack connectors can be used in an emergency, but the quality is not up to par with Amphenol connectors. Here is a link to a video of connector installation..here |
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Quoted:
Generally speaking, you will need 50 ohm coax. TV/cable TV coax is 75ohm. Connectors like the pl-259 and BNC's are available from many suppliers. Occasionally we (hams) will use a crimp-on connector but normally use a solder-on connector. HRO, RF Parts, Mouser and MCM to name a few are GTG for coax and connectors. Pay particular attention to the quality of connectors used. Rat-Shack connectors can be used in an emergency, but the quality is not up to par with Amphenol connectors. Here is a link to a video of connector installation..here Much thanks for the info, I will gladly check out the video and look forward to others in their replies... S |
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For bulk cable, I usually go direct to Davis RF or The Wireman.
I generally go with crimp connectors, but solder the center pins and shrink wrap up over the crush sleeve. Get a good set of crimpers & dies or you'll only get frustration to go along with crappy connections. On the power side, I'm all about the PowerPoles. |
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If by 'cables' you are only refering to coaxial jumpers then you question has pretty much been answered. If by 'cables' you are including radio to computer/device cables, audio connectors, etc. there are a number of sources for both parts and info. I'm aware of the other thread taking exception to this guy....but he has lots of plugs, wire, and parts to cobble up about anything radio related. he also has diagrams for a lot of stuff. http://www.packetradio.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=13 |
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Quoted:
If by 'cables' you are only refering to coaxial jumpers then you question has pretty much been answered. If by 'cables' you are including radio to computer/device cables, audio connectors, etc. there are a number of sources for both parts and info. I'm aware of the other thread taking exception to this guy....but he has lots of plugs, wire, and parts to cobble up about anything radio related. he also has diagrams for a lot of stuff. http://www.packetradio.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=13 by cables i was referring to antennas, small jumpers etc... i would never think on making some specialty usb programming cable... or a ribbon cable or anything like that.... thanks for the link, i guess i dont like the face that he is jerky, but if i did not have to talk to him it would not be to bad if i needed something he had and it was an emergency. so i will keep him in mind... thanks... S |