The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
from
Jeff Bauder, N3JBH
on
June 4, 2009
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The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
If you ever want to make these for a project you need a 3/4 to 1/2 " reducer and 1/2 to 3/8 bushing The 3/8 bushing will screw right on to a SO-239 and the 3/4 reducer will thread right on to Andrews 7/8'th Heliax
The center pin as you know has 5/16 threads and will screw right in to the center connector. And make the other end of this pin .160 Thousandths Makes the perfect cheap hard line connector.
Assembly is straight forward and easy simply screw the bushing in to the reducer. And screw the 5/16 rod I used 304 stainless into the center conductor Form a center insulator from ½" Teflon.
Once you get the center pin installed add the center insulator. Then screw the reducer down over the hard line. The end result is a usable Male UHF connector for 7/8's hard line.
I do not make any claims as to it being a perfect 50-ohm termination. But it sure makes an easy connector for the job.
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The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K9ZF on June 4, 2009
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An interesting idea, although a bit more directions and illustrations would have been helpful...
73
Dan
--
Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Clark County Indiana. EM78el
K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269 Check out the Rover Resource Page at:
<http://www.qsl.net/n9rla> List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books
Ask me how to join the Indiana Ham Mailing list!
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by KF4HR on June 4, 2009
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Would be interesting to know what type of bushings and reducers were used. Are we talking plumbing parts here?
Looks like this connector arrangement might be nice to use in a pinch, but it seems a bit of a shame to go to the expense of 7/8" heliax and not take advantage of impedance matching N or C connectors, especially for frequencies exceeding VHF.
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The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K0UA on June 4, 2009
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I am sorry Jeff, I could not follow any of this. Just not enough info to figure out the steps. I am an engineer. I guess that might be the problem.
73
Jim K0UA
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by KC8VWM on June 4, 2009
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What is "304" stainless and what tools do we use to make the other end of what pin .160 Thousandths?
73
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The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by KB3SMM on June 4, 2009
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thanks - good concept, but need more specific directions, specification, and an illustration or 2 would help. 73 Rich
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by N3JBH on June 4, 2009
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Ok let me see if i can answer a few questions so far.
Q-1 Would be interesting to know what type of bushings and reducers were used. Are we talking plumbing parts here?
A-1 Yes brass plumbing parts As in the article you will need one 3/4 to 1/2 " reducer and 1/2 to 3/8 bushing.
Q-2 What is "304" stainless and what tools do we use to make the other end of what pin .160 Thousandths?
A-2 304 Stainless is a type of stainless steel. I chose it for its great wear and weather resistance qualities.
The tool to make it the size needed for the "other end" which is the center pin of the UHF connector is a lathe. If you do not own a lathe a local machine shop will hopefully crank out the needed cut for the cost of a large coffee.
Q-3 I am sorry Jeff, I could not follow any of this.
I am an engineer. I guess that might be the problem.
A-3 Sorry Jim, could not help that one being a millwright i am used to baffled engineers hi hi.
Maybe i could have added some step by step pictures and probably should have but it seemed really simple to me as i read it.
My comments
I am sorry folks i thought it was a simple and almost self explanatory project to do as once you have the few items in front of you. You will see it can only be done one way. There really is no way i could see how it could be messed up.
But saying that i tried to offer up a how to subject and looks like i failed in the presentation of it. Jeff
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K0BG on June 4, 2009
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I don't know how long Jim's been licensed, but....
Almost this exact idea was published many years ago in Ham Radio magazine, during the time it was one half size formated (circa 1970).
Most of the parts for this project can be purchased at Ace Hardware (et. al.) in their brass fittings aisle.
For those that don't know, the honest-to-john parts have crept to well over $150, even at hamfests. Personally, it shows genuine amateur radio ingenuity.
Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com
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The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by WA3SKN on June 4, 2009
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Hardline connectors have become rediculously expensive. Unless you are operating over 300 Mhz, it pays to improvise!
73s.
-Mike.
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K5END on June 4, 2009
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.
FWIW the article was pretty self explanatory to me, but I'm weird anyway, hihi.
I would be interested to know how the impedance is affected at frequencies below 50 KHZ. My gut feeling is probably little effect, but you know what they say about assumptions.
Above 100 MHz I'd be reluctant to use this method without some knowledge of losses.
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by N4OGW on June 4, 2009
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"Lathe work" and "inexpensive" don't go together for the average ham without connections to a machine shop :)
Looking right now on ebay I see a bunch of real Andrew connectors in the $10-$20 range. They are not that hard to find.
Tor
N4OGW
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by KB1NXE on June 4, 2009
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eBAY dispels the myth that hardline cable and connectors are expensive.
1/2" new can be had in lengths up to 200' for less than a dollar a foot (LDF or FP). New 'N' hardline connectors for that 1/2" run about $7.00 (that's what I paid at least). That's about the same as for LMR-400 or RG-8 size 'softline' connectors.
I know. I have a basement of the stuff for the tower going up soon.
If you don't find the stuff under Electronics. Look in the Computer section of eBAY.
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by AK2B on June 4, 2009
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"If you do not own a lathe a local machine shop will hopefully crank out the needed cut for the cost of a large coffee."
I can see you getting this for the price of a large cup of coffee if you happen to be a really cute girl. Where I work (Brooklyn) though, I think the response to me (a big ugly guy) to do something for that price would be more like "How much will you pay me not to kill you" :-)
Tom, ak2b
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K5END on June 4, 2009
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quote,
"New 'N' hardline connectors for that 1/2" run about $7.00 (that's what I paid at least"
The "good stuff" is around $10 retail. So, ebay does not appear to be much of a savings for this item.
However for the coax itself, all the tower contractors everywhere have leftovers after each job. That is where the short sections ( <200' or so) that you see on ebay are coming from. It's 100% profit for these guys, so they sell it at a fraction of the retail pricing.
One caveat on the commercial "hardline" connectors is that most of them require special (>$300)tools to do it right.
A relatively new style of connector is made for quick work and no solder. It requires a tool that is used with an electric drill. You just poke the coax into the tool on the drill and pull the trigger. It requires a minimal amount of practice and skill to get it right, but it means you can prep the coax in about 8 seconds instead of 20 minutes.
If you terminate a lot of coax daily, it's the only way to fly.
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by KB1NXE on June 4, 2009
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The connectors I bought were brand new, still in the plastic and in the original box - Andrews.
You can use the $300 tool, but I have been successful with a $5.00 utility knife (but 2 connectors trash the blade). I surely wouldn't want to do a bunch of connectors with the utility knife - however.
Some of the cable was also NIB. Check out 330334944997 on eBAY right now. Even if it's end pieces, - I don't care if the price is right.
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K5END on June 4, 2009
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Ahhh.. That is the "good stuff" :)
Sure, I've terminated these with a pocket knife in an emergency. It can be done, but requires more patience than I can muster on most days.
One caution worth mentioning is that mixing connector and coax brands is that often it doesn't work well, especially above 50 MHz.
For example, I would not use an Eupen connector on Andrew Heliax or vice versa.
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K5UJ on June 4, 2009
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There were a lot of pretty inexpensive Andrew connectors in the flea market at Dayton this year. Even if you pay 5 or 10 times the price of a good UHF 8U coax male, figure this is a connector and feedline that is going to last 20 years. It will pay for itself eventually and be waterproof. Most exotic tool I have seen used to put one on was a Dremel.
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by WA4PRR on June 4, 2009
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Good Idea. It would help if you posted more photos - such as a side view and maybe an exploded view of the parts. Details of the center pin would be especially useful in duplicating your connector.
Ron WA4PRR
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K5END on June 4, 2009
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.
I see the prices have come down a little, but check Andrew Part number 921273 for an example of the coax prep tool for use with electric drill.
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by W5DQ on June 4, 2009
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Article peaked my curiosity but definitely needs more info on the parts and methods used.
As to comments about the difficulty and expense of obtaining original OEM hardline and connectors, especially off eBAY, all I can say is those commenting probably haven't done much snooping around eBAY. Granted you aren't going to find deals everyday but it you frequent eBAY and know what to look for, you can find great deals. Of course you have to do due diligence and be prepared to pass the deal by if there are any concerns. I have obtained about 90% of the items in my shack from eBAY (10+ years in using it) and have NEVER been burned. Maybe I am just lucky but I think it is more because I follow a set of steps I have found to work well and use MUCHO caution.
Anyone can buy original Andrew connectors NEW in the ANDREW company box with parts in sealed plastic bags for $5 to 7 each at almost anytime you need them from EBAY vendors. Andrew hardline can be found a rediculous low per foot prices if you look around.
The one thing is to not be afraid to try working with hardline if you have a need for such. Yes, slapping a length of RG-213 into service is much easier than working with hardline, but for most situations, a installation of hardline will probably outlive the installer if done correctly.
Quote "However for the coax itself, all the tower contractors everywhere have leftovers after each job. That is where the short sections ( <200' or so) that you see on ebay are coming from."
*** Not necessarily in all locations. There are NO tower contractors where I live so I have to buy everything I cannot scrounge from the junkyard. I have bought new 200 foot lengths of Andrew FSJ4-50B with Andrew redcaps on the ends and Andrew factory labeling, SEALED in ANDREW flat spool boxes for under $1.00 a foot. I run this stuff from the shack to the top of all my towers.
Quote "One caveat on the commercial "hardline" connectors is that most of them require special (>$300)tools to do it right."
*** In most cases, yes. But if a person is semi-skilled, learns how it should be done and takes their time, it can be done with common tools from any DECENT hamshack toolbox. I don't own any specialty tools for Andrew connectors and I can easily put on a Andrew "N" male on the end of FSJ4-50B in less than 30 minutes with my simple tools. Sure I had to do one or two of them before I got it down pat but I never botched one up in the learning process. If you take your time, you can save the money. If I were doing these for a living, you bet I would own the entire lineup of special tools but for ham use once in a while, no thanks.
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K5END on June 4, 2009
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I like to see others advocating the good stuff.
We spend so much money on rigs, towers, antenna, then some OM get the cheap coax.
But as far as tools, that's why they make vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, so to speak. There's more than one way to do it. I agree.
But if any part of my system needs to be pristine, the coax end quality is at least 1st runner up. Any OM or YL can prep Heliax to perfection in less than 10 seconds with that specialized tool.
Isn't that other 29 minutes of your life worth something?
Wouldn't you be rather making QSOs? Playing with grandkids, filing income tax returns...uh, well, OK, maybe I'd rather do manual terminations than my tax return...but you get the idea.
73
LK
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by KB1NXE on June 4, 2009
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Takes me about 5 minutes with the utility knife on FSJ4-50 per end. It's not that difficult.
Measure back the 7mm and strip to the foam (I don't go all the way through the foam and thereby don't nick the center conductor)
Peel and clean the foam to the center, taper the center with a file, clean the shield edge with the same file.
Measure back from the new edge 21mm and strip the outer jacket.
Grease, 'O-ring' (screwy little bugger to get on with greasy fingers, but won't go on without the grease). Backend of the shell, front end, screw together and tighten. Done.
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K4DPK on June 4, 2009
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Great article!
We need to see more of this kind of stuff.
Thanks.
Phil C. Sr.
k4dpk
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K9MHZ on June 4, 2009
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Dittos....what Phil wrote.
Best,
Brad,
K9MHZ
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by W5DQ on June 5, 2009
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"Isn't that other 29 minutes of your life worth something?"
Of course it is. But my choice is to use the tools I have on hand, spend the extra 29 minutes (relaxing to work with my hands after running a keyboard all week) and effectively pocket the so called $300 savings for more radio toys :)
$300 / 30 minutes labor = $600/hr, a rather nice paying job in today's economy, wouldn't you say !!
Life is too short to worry about how to put a connector on a piece of feedline. Put it on the best way you can, ensure it is solid and correct and go on to do something else - whether it be making QSOs or sitting back and having a cold one after 30 minutes of 'strenuous' workout putting on hardline connectors :)
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K5END on June 5, 2009
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I see your points; well taken.
In my case I have to factor in arthritis in the phalanges.
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by W5DQ on June 5, 2009
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"to factor in arthritis ..."
Not there yet. I'll be 51 in July. They say "You're as old as you feel" - some mornings that feels like triple digits :)
Good Luck with 'ARTHUR' and all things related.
73
Gene W5DQ
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The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by OLLIEOXEN27 on June 6, 2009
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What I'd like to know is why 1/4" and 1/8" audio plugs and adapters never work right. You either get no sound or partial sound until you jiggle the plugs or the adapter in the jack. They put men on the moon 40 years ago - why haven't they fixed this?
oli
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by W5DQ on June 6, 2009
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I don't have any problems using them but I learned a long time ago, the old adage "You get what you pay for" is a reality. I use only high quality plugs and jacks (not the 98 cent junk ones you find in surplus) and don't seem to have any issues.
I find that places like Jameco and Digikey usually carry various levels of quality for components and the cheap ones usually are just that, cheap.
Gene
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The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by KG4RRN on June 8, 2009
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Radio Shack still sells RG-8U connectors, I bought mine for around $5.00 and the screw on, but you must solder the center conductor, otherwise the center pin pulls out
of the insulator, and you have bare coax, which may not conduct your signal very well. PART # 278-188, these are silver plated with teflon insulator.
Might these also work on RG-213???
I find the plumbing parts needed for plumbing, rf connectors for connecting, any questions???
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K4DPK on June 8, 2009
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Yes...I have a question.....
Can you show us a picture of the Radio Shack connector fastened to the end
of a piece of 7/8" hardline?
I'd like to see your method.
Thanks.
Phil C. Sr.
k4dpk
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by OLLIEOXEN27 on June 8, 2009
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W5DQ,
You're right. I use Radio Shack crapola since I like to buy my stuff locally and that's all that's available around here. Serves me right. And these plugs don't work with any rigs I've owned except the 1/8" plugs work with my qrp radios. Radio Shack plugs don't work with Ten Tec, or Yeasu - at least none I've owned the past ten years. You live you learn! I'm going jiggle crazy trying to get audio to work! Radio Shack communication headphones also ($12).
oli
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by OLLIEOXEN27 on June 8, 2009
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Not only that but the Radio Shack plugs and adapters are expensive - not 98 cents - more like $4-$6. Creepy
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RE: The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by K5END on June 9, 2009
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>
From personal experience I can recommend NOT using a RS 3.5 mm plug for the key jack on a brand new FT-450.
It got stuck and would not come out.
Didn't try hosing them off, but I did take it in for repair.
They had to replace the jack.
Cheap plugs are pennywise and poundfoolish.
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The Inexpensive UHF Male Hard Line Connector
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by W5NNH on June 21, 2009
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Current Commscope/Andrew designs on hardline connectors are *very* easy to install, without special tools. They have done a fantastic job of improving their designs to the point that they're as installer-friendly as possible.
Even the old style connectors aren't that difficult to install without special tools. I've installed several different Andrew and other brand connectors on heliax in both N and 7/16" DIN on LDF5-50 in the last month and never had to use anything other than a hacksaw, a file, a knife and some wrenches. As a matter fact, that's all that Andrew recommended for installation in all the instructions. Sure, they also had pictures of the expensive drill attachment tool, but they also showed how to do it with simple tools.
I'm not insistent on using UHF on all my connections, as the N connector is usually a better choice for both impedance and weather characteristics. I just put a UHF on the shack end of the jumper coming from the lightning suppressor ground panel and I'm good to go.
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