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G8MNY > TECH 18.02.09 09:18l 92 Lines 4059 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 18311_GB7CIP
Read: GUEST
Subj: Coax Feeder Tests
Path: IZ3LSV<IK2XDE<ON4HU<VE3UIL<N2BQF<N9ZZK<ON0AR<GB7CIP
Sent: 090217/2326Z @:GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EU #:18311 [Caterham] $:18311_GB7CIP
From: G8MNY@GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EU
To : TECH@WW
By John G8MNY (Updated Nov 08)
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 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 50ê Load
Plug Coax Plug
Here the meter should reads 50ê + cable DC resistance.
LOG AERIAL DC TEST
It is worth noting (in your log for example) if the aerial is a DC short or
not, as this will cut down a lot of hassel if there is a problem.
RF TESTING
Aerial End
Tx End
SWR Bridge> ͵±±===========================±±ÆÍ 50ê Load
Plug Coax Plug
After the DC test, this RF test will reveal if there is problem that will
affect the Tx.
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 50ê 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 50ê 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, while others have brown ones that
burn & char on high voltage. 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 50ê & 75ê, & 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 50 or 75ê 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 connecters are use on UHF small kit, my advice is to get a
wander lead to a sensible plug/socket.
See my bul on "PL259 Losses"
Why don't U send an interesting bud?
73 de John G8MNY @ GB7CIP
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