Just bought some compression F connectors and they're brill.

**Robbo** · 27-08-2008

Hi, guys,

I was getting really fed up with putting cheapo screw on F-connectors on, so I went out and got some water-proof compression type.

I can't believe how easy they are to do, and all this time I've been messing about with the crappy screw on type.

They are such a joy to put on I'm going to replace all mine (all 20 of them) for decent ones.

I think I have done them right.

I cut back about 1 cm right to the core and then about another half cm just the outer sheath, then shoved it in, and compressed it with the tool.

Robbo

**satelliteman** · 28-08-2008

They always finish off a professional installation.
You'll never go back to screw type

**Robbo** · 28-08-2008

Originally Posted by satelliteman

You'll never go back to screw type

True, I found that the cheap ones occasionally would snap in pieces if I over did it slightly, and I just hated using them. The S.A.C ones I got look nice too.

***wod*** · 28-08-2008

i've been using these for ages still have loads left, thomas n betts are the best ones i've found

i got the tool and bag of 50 thomas n betts, snap n seal ones for 30 dollars on that auction place

they came in handy when i was making a patch lead to use with my meter as the screw on ones just kept coming undone.

**rolfw** · 28-08-2008

Yes, great connectors, still using T&B ones (bought 1000 on eaby from the states), but still use my screw on types, as sometimes you only need a temporary connection, or may need to trim the cable length further.

LukeUK · 07-09-2008

The screw on F-Connectors I fit never unscrew without a bit of force! I think it's because I wind the strands of braid into one pigtail so the connector sits on nice and tight. Is this a bad idea from a connection point of view?

Until the price of the tools to fit the compression connectors drops I think I'll stick with my screw-on types!

**satelliteman** · 07-09-2008

Just fold back the braid before you screw the F type connector on

LukeUK · 07-09-2008

Yeah I fold back the pigtail of braid and cut it so it won't protrude out of the bottom of the F Connector, then screw it on.

So are you recommending not twisting the braid into a pigtail and just folding the braid back or..?

**satelliteman** · 07-09-2008

All explained

LukeUK · 07-09-2008

Ah. I guess using a pigtail might put a dent in the dialectric causing an impedance discontinuity.

Thanks for the advice satelliteman

***CROSSBONES*** · 07-09-2008

Just bought a compression tool, just waiting for it to arrive now.

£18 delivered with 50 connectors and cable stripper, hope its not a cheap tool

**satelliteman** · 07-09-2008

That's a good price

***wod*** · 08-09-2008

Originally Posted by CROSSBONES

Just bought a compression tool, just waiting for it to arrive now.

£18 delivered with 50 connectors and cable stripper, hope its not a cheap tool

it should be a decent tool as i got a kit off Ebay

and the below pic is what i have

**aba** · 08-09-2008

Originally Posted by LukeUK

Yeah I fold back the pigtail of braid and cut it so it won't protrude out of the bottom of the F Connector, then screw it on.

So are you recommending not twisting the braid into a pigtail and just folding the braid back or..?

ive been fitting satellite dishes now since 1981 and always pull the braid out to one side and twist it then fold it down it makes a lot better fit than just folding the braid straight down with out twisting
and it always help to use the right size f plugs for the coax that you are useing
and ive never had a f plug fall of yet and if you read martin pikering books about satellite dishes and coax that is how he says it should be done
and he is a very cleaver man years ago he was the top man at eurosat birmingham in his field forget where he was befor that

**Robbo** · 08-09-2008

He isn't that clever, or he'd be able to put Snap-Seal connectors on and would use them instead.

The twisting braid method is a PITA anyway for the screw on, as it can make it very tight to put on, getting the exact matching F-connector is not always possible. Hence my reason for originally starting the thread. Basically screw on connectors are sh*te.

LukeUK · 07-10-2008

Hmm, I've seen some PPC connectors on Ebay

for cheap...they're the ones Virgin Media now use. What are they like?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Just bought some compression F connectors and they're brill. Information exchange on LNBs, Single satellite, motorised and multi-satellite systems. DiSEqC switches, positioners, motors, actuators, dish-alignment etc.