Compression F-Connectors...

[beelzerob]

I'm beginning my first baby steps of terminating some of this wire and making it useful, and I seem to recall (though I can't find the post) that someone told me I'd need f-connectors that were specifically rated for 3.0GHz, for when I terminate my antenna or satellite, etc cables. Is that true?

I'll also happily listen to any suggestions on where to get a cheap abundant supply of various kinds of coax terminators for RG6QS and RG59.....at least I've got the tool already.

 

[Frunple]

Never heard of such a thing. Are you sure it wasn't the rating of the cable?

 

[beelzerob]

Never heard of such a thing. Are you sure it wasn't the rating of the cable?

No, definitely not the cable...I knew about that from the start. But I remember someone mentioning it, and I cried out in anguish that even that part had to have a ghz spec....was there an end to the madness??

It seems like it was an f-connector, or some kind of coax connector.

 

[gacevich]

Never heard of such a thing. Are you sure it wasn't the rating of the cable?

No, definitely not the cable...I knew about that from the start. But I remember someone mentioning it, and I cried out in anguish that even that part had to have a ghz spec....was there an end to the madness??

It seems like it was an f-connector, or some kind of coax connector.

fwiw, i just got done terminating a bunch of rg6 connections for xm radio, fm antenna, catv jacks and anothers. paid no mind to the ghz rating of the compression fittings (in fact, there is a mix of brands) with no adverse effect. hopfully none arise.

 

[Steve]

I guess I've never seen those rating on the connectors either. I use high quality Digicon (CablePro) DS connectors like these. You can look at the spec sheet and there is alot of stuff, but not that rating. I also thought 3Ghz was what the cable itself is swept to.

 

[beelzerob]

Well good, that's a relief.

So, now I need a source. Normally i go to monoprice for everything, but they only have RG6 fittings, not RG59. I take it those aren't interchangeable? And do I need fitting specifically for RG6QS, or is RG6 good enough?

 

[personalt]

I am failrly cerain those are all differnt since the diameter is a little differnt.

I use monoprice a lot but got my fittings from techtoolsupply.com because monoprice didnt have the minicoax fittings. techtoolsupply seems to have every size connector

Well good, that's a relief.

So, now I need a source. Normally i go to monoprice for everything, but they only have RG6 fittings, not RG59. I take it those aren't interchangeable? And do I need fitting specifically for RG6QS, or is RG6 good enough?

 

[beelzerob]

I use monoprice a lot but got my fittings from techtoolsupply.com because monoprice didnt have the minicoax fittings. techtoolsupply seems to have every size connector

Well, they certainly have what I need. Can I feel reasonably confident that whatever compression fitting I get, my Paladin sealtite tool is going to work right with it?

 

[Ranger Digital]

beez, I am glad you brought this up as I intended to. I once bought a channel vision bracket with f connectors pre-mounted and it was "rated" with a 1 ghz. It worked. I have often wondered if the thomas betts (something this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...:IT&ih=011) that shows a 1 gz + rating would be suffice? So far NO PROBLEMS! Have it hooked to my dishnetwork but not to HD yet. So cant say that it will work later but I bet its not an issue AT ALL, but just a guess.

The odd thing is I havent seen an f connector that IS swept to 3ghz!

As far as different connectors for quad vs non quad rg6, there ARE different size connectors you can buy but the truth for me is that I ahve been able to make EVERY rg6 connector work on my quad shield cable as well. A flare tool really helps if there is alot to do and you can find them under 15 bucks.

ebay is the place for connectors. sorry member dealers!
edit: flare tool: http://www.onqlegrand.com/products/364346-01

 

[Steve]

Many are interchangeable but not all. When I chose my tool I did it knowing I would also use the Digicon connectors. To be absolutely sure, you can just use Paladin connectors.

 

[beelzerob]

Many are interchangeable but not all. When I chose my tool I did it knowing I would also use the Digicon connectors. To be absolutely sure, you can just use Paladin connectors.

Well, why take a chance, I guess....found paladin sealtite connectors, RG59 and 6QS, and RCA, F-conn and BNC. Sounds like that'll do it.

Given the potential undertainty of certain compression fittings working with the tool or not, I think I'm definitely going to terminal all my outlet coax in f-connectors, and then attach those to keystones where needed for wall connections. Down in the wiring closet, I can use f-conn, rca, or bnc as needed, maybe....though if a cable someday changes its purpose, it'd mean snipping that off and losing the connector. I think I might just terminate everything with f-connectors, and then use a patch panel if needed to make the device connection.

So, now the question...what's the best way to connect 2 f-connectors to each other? I've seen the little double-ended piece that they both screw to....but is some kind of termination panel better? I think "better" here might be relative, but at least a patch panel would be cleaner.

 

[kgingerich]

I bought the channelvision bracket rated for 1Ghz and replaced them with these.

The reason? Well I read somewhere that HD signals on dish systems require higher than 1Ghz rated connectors. I think it was on a directv forum or something. How much of that is true is beyond the scope of my little brain. But, considering it cost me like 20 bucks I don't care.

Now Directv is coming out next week to finally get my install going so I may ask the installer about it and see what he/she says.

Also, I still have the channelvision 1Ghz connectors so after the directv install i'll put a 1ghz connector in line and see what happens. I will not be shocked if it works perfectly well.

 

[Photon]

I used my SealTite Pro Crimper 1555 to connect Thomas & Betts Snap 'n' Seal connectors. Also a few from Home Depot. Both kinds worked perfectly and on the same tool settings.

 

[beelzerob]

Also, I still have the channelvision 1Ghz connectors so after the directv install i'll put a 1ghz connector in line and see what happens. I will not be shocked if it works perfectly well.

Ya, I'd be interested in the results of that.

Photon, thanks! That's another brand I can add to the "good" list then.

 

[Ranger Digital]

Also, I still have the channelvision 1Ghz connectors so after the directv install i'll put a 1ghz connector in line and see what happens. I will not be shocked if it works perfectly well.

You will be my board hero! Yes, PLEASE post the results. THANKS