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G8MNY > TECH 01.11.24 09:10l 98 Lines 4505 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 18992_GB7CIP
Read: GUEST
Subj: Coax Feeder Tests
Path: IW8PGT<IZ3LSV<I0OJJ<GB7CIP
Sent: 241101/0808Z @:GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EURO #:18992 [Caterham Surrey GBR]
From: G8MNY@GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EURO
To : TECH@WW
By John G8MNY (Updated Feb 11)
(8 Bit ASCII graphics use code page 437 or 850, Terminal Font)
When putting up a new aerial system (fixed, /P or /M) it is generally worth
while testing the feeder. RF SWR testing seems the best as far as the Tx goes,
but it is not always fool proof!
DC TEST
With an Ohm meter it is quite simple to measure the coax & if there are no
copper whiskers across the Tx or Aerial coax ends an open circuit will be seen.
Tx End \³/
Meter > ͵±±===========================±±ÆÍ Ù
Plug Coax Plug Aerial
But this is not the most efficient DC test, by putting a dummy load at one end
e.g. instead of the aerial, Short, Open circuits & then RF tests can be done.
Tx End Aerial End
Meter > ͵±±===========================±±ÆÍ 50R Dummy
Plug Coax Plug Load
Here the meter should reads 50R + cable DC resistance.
LOG AERIAL DC TEST
It is worth noting (in your log book for example) if the aerial is a DC short
or not, as this will cut down a lot of hassel later if there is a problem.
RF TESTING
Aerial End
Tx End
SWR Bridge> ͵±±===========================±±ÆÍ 50R Dummy
Plug Coax Plug Load
After the DC test, this RF test will reveal if there is problem that will
affect the Tx. Try sliding your hand along the coax to see of there are
changes! If there is RF is leaking out! E.g. too long an unscreen tail into the
plug, screen earthed at wrong part of plug (UHF).
Now putting the aerial in should give the same results.
Tx End \³/
SWR Bridge> ͵±±============================±±ÆÍÙAerial
It is possible to get a good DC & RF SWR indication on a faulty installation,
where say the braid is bypassed by other earths & the coax outer then becomes
the aerial. This is a safety issue in cars, where say 50W of 70cms is fine to
an external aerial, by might cause brakes or airbags to go off if radiated
inside the car!
CONNECTORS
The most common is PL259, with its 4mm wander plug centre it is rated at 500V
& 10A, it is hardy plug usable to 200MHz (400W). The Z is not 50R on the cheap
versions & generally the mismatch length is so short compared to a 1/4 wave it
is quite irrelevant as is the loss, fully waterproof 50R version are made but
for a price! To waterproof the cheap ones it is best to fill them with grease
(vaceline) & then clean off the outside & tape over with amalgamating tape.
Making a good shield connection in some designs can be difficult & some have
white nylon insulators that melt easily when soldering up, while others have
brown ones that burn & char on very high voltages. Small cable bore plugs or
adaptors are needed for thin coax. There are "in line female SO239" made, if
you can find them, otherwise you need barrel joiners.
N connectors are used above 200MHz, these are made to be 50R & 75R, & are
fairly rugged, but the thin centre pin, socket & small 6mm surrounding shield
connection (not the screw up bit) must give good RF connection to maintain 50ê
& low losses. The thin centre pin & mating leafed pin are quite fragile & are
not rated to carry heavy current like the 259 so high SWR & high power can
potentially damage it. There are many designs of plug/socket with loads of
fiddly bits to put on the coax in the right order, but the principle is to keep
the Z constant, so the outer connection is made close to the front of the plug
as possible, until the centre conductor size alters. Be aware the waterproof
seal not only keeps water out, but keep it in too!
BNC connectors use the same small 50R or 75R pin N plug system, but with small
bayonet locking arrangement. Normally made for 5mm & 7mm coax, but larger cable
types are made.
TNC connectors are as BNC, except have a smaller screw outer than the N type.
All 3 types plug into each other to make a good RF link when the outer screw/
bayonet/larger screw parts do not foul.
SMA/SMB/SMC series of small connecters are use on UHF small QRP kit. My advice
is to get a wander lead to a sensible plug/socket, to take the cable strain off
the tiny connectors & kit.
See Tech buls on "PL259 Losses", "Cable Tester", "Coax Faulting" & "A Versatile
Pulse Tester".
Why don't U send an interesting bud?
73 de John G8MNY @ GB7CIP
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