Compression fittings

[Bigbear]

I purchased a COAXMAX compression tool that came with 6 fittings.
I then purchased some Gilbert 6 that have a yellow band ( my satellite installer used these so I thought they would be good).
I also bought some Digicon DS6 09-13, but neither of them will fully insert completely on my cable. The only ones that fit are the ones that came with my tool, and they have no identification other than pat6241553. Any idea where I can get more as I only have 1 left.

Thanks


Bear

[ADTech]

They're right on the web site: https://www.antennasdirect.com/store/COAXMAX-10pc-Premium-RG6-Compression-F-Type-Connectors.html and are for standard rg6 low loss cable. The COAXMAX tool may be used for either standard or QS RG6.

Be advise that there are three general kinds of RG6 coax compression fittings: 1) Specified for RG6 Quad Shield, 2) Those specified for RG6 (no mention of QS), and 3) Those that claim to be for both.

If you try using type 2 (above) on QS, you'll go nuts trying to get the fitting on the coax. If you try using type 1 (above) on standard low-loss RG6 it may work or it may be too loose. TYpe 3? Don't know, as I usually get the correct fitting for what I'm working on.

[Bigbear]

Thanks.
I notice that the 2 types of fittings seem to have a longer "tube" ( don't know what to call it, seems as if the copper connector should go in it but won't) inside the fitting. This may be what is giving me problems.
I have a tool that spreads the grounding part of the coax away from the center insulator. Should I even be using it?
Guess I need to pay attention as to what type of coax I use, I assumed all RG6 were the same.

[rabbit73]

There are two ways to deal with the braid: fold it back over the outer jacket or remove it; AD says to remove it.

http://forums.solidsignal.com/docs/Hands%20on%20Coaxmax.pdf

Debraiding
Antennas Direct recommends that
especially if you are using their
connectors, the cable be fully debraided.
In other words, no little wires from the
braid should be visible. If you prefer, you
may fold the braid over the jacket (the
black plastic) smoothly and evenly.

To debraid the cable, rub it briskly against
the debraiding area several times until
all the little wires come off. At this point,
inspect the cable. All the braids should be
removed or folded over the black jacket,
and there should be no cuts in the foil.
You should not be able to see white foam
through the foil. The center conductor
should be nice and straight.
Guess I need to pay attention as to what type of coax I use, I assumed all RG6 were the same.The OD of RG6 varies from brand to brand and even from type to type within the same brand, which is why you need the correct connector size for your RG6.

http://www.dbstalk.com/topic/160452-trickstools-for-compression-fittings/

http://www.idealind.com/media/pdfs/products/instructions/CompressConnectorInstallationInstr.pdf

http://support.channelmaster.com/hc/en-us/articles/200383735-Using-the-CM3309-Coaxial-Cable-Compression-Connector-Installation-Kit

https://images.lowes.ca/pdf/14041/compression_conn_sizing_chart.pdf

PCT claims that their PCT-TRS-6L is a universal connector for different sizes of RG6:
http://www.channelmaster.com/RG6_Compression_F_locking_Connector_p/pct-trs6l.htm
http://www.pctstore.com/F_connectors_RG6_F_connector_PCT_TRS_6L_p/pcttrs6l.htm
video on same page

http://pctcorporate.com/images/stories/realtimedox/datasheets/connectors/PCT-Locking-Connectors_200802_20111107c_.pdf see p2 for cutaway

http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1646&d=1443397188

Belden also makes a "universal" RG6 connector.
Belden FSNS6U ProSNS Universal F Connectors for RG6/RG6Q Cable
http://www.specialized.net/Specialized//Assets/ProductSpecifications//915X386.PDF
https://www.tselectronic.com/shop/product/Belden-FSNS6U-ProSNS-Universal-RG6-Compression-F-Connectors/2026 note video
http://www.amazon.com/Belden-FSNS6U-ProSNS-Universal-Connectors/dp/B00BR1ODJU

[rickbb]

Count me as another one who found out all this the hard way.

I was given a 1,000 foot spool of plenum rated RG6 and after 4 trips to 2 different big box stores and trying several brands/types of connectors I finally ordered the right ones.

[ADTech]

fold it back over the outer jacket or remove it; AD says to remove it.

Our directions for the COAXMAX say to brush the braid back. I don't know who might have told Solid Signal otherwise for their review...


Excerpt from http://www.antennasdirect.com/cmss_files/attachmentlibrary/CoaxMax_Instructions.pdf

http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1647&stc=1&d=1443449230

[rabbit73]

I think the term "debraiding" is ambiguous.

Does it mean remove the shield wires completely, or does it just mean move them away from the foil and center conductor to prevent the possibility of a short and fold them back on the outside of the jacket. To me, the term "debraiding" means remove them completely.

I think the instructions need to be rewritten.

I also think the shield wires should be folded back on the outside of the jacket for two reasons:
1. This makes it easier to insert the foil covered dielectric into the inner tube, and the tube under the braid.
2. The braid males better contact with the shell of the connector to conduct the current for a preamp.

With RG6 that has more than two shield layers, like tri or quad, it is sometimes necessary to remove one or two outer layers to end up with foil and one braid layer to fold back to be able to insert the cable into the connector.

Installing Snap-N-Seal ProSNS connectors on Quad Shield Cable

There is a trick to installing Belden ProSNS FSNS6U F connectors on RG6 Quad Shield Cable!
Play video:

https://www.tselectronic.com/shop/product/Belden-FSNS6U-ProSNS-Universal-RG6-Compression-F-Connectors/2026
https://www.tselectronic.com/video/fsns6u-quad.php

http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1652&d=1443488342

I don't know who might have told Solid Signal otherwise for their review...My guess would be a Solid Signal employee who has made hundreds of custom length cables with compression connectors.
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=sscbls

[Bigbear]

Update
Thanks AD tech, I've the fittings on the way.
After practicing with my Digicon connectors, when used with the proper diameter cable, the plastic "thingy" is pushed out of the front of the connector. Pull it off and then crimp. Must be there to guide the center connector.

[Bigbear]

Can anyone give me an explanation of RG6 cable sizing. Obviously they are not all the same. The main run from my antenna pre amp and the ground block I've had for a long time, don't know where I got it and can't make out if it has any markings on it at all. All I know is 2 of the 3 size compression fittings I have for RG6 cable are too small. The only one that I can get on ( by struggling) is the ones that came with my COAXMAX tool.

[MikeBear]

Can anyone give me an explanation of RG6 cable sizing. Obviously they are not all the same. The main run from my antenna pre amp and the ground block I've had for a long time, don't know where I got it and can't make out if it has any markings on it at all. All I know is 2 of the 3 size compression fittings I have for RG6 cable are too small. The only one that I can get on ( by struggling) is the ones that came with my COAXMAX tool.


If the others are too small, then it's probably quad-shield coax, and you will need connectors for that. They have a purple colored sleeve.

[Bigbear]

Ok, but what does quad shield mean. My cable looks like all the RG 6 that "fit" look. Copper center,plastic,foil, braided wire, then black outer layer.
What makes it quad shielded?

[MikeBear]

Ok, but what does quad shield mean. My cable looks like all the RG 6 that "fit" look. Copper center,plastic,foil, braided wire, then black outer layer.
What makes it quad shielded?

2 separate wire-braided shields, and 2 separate foil shields. These are all layered, so can be hard to detect if you aren't used to all the various versions of coax.

[Bigbear]

Then what I have isn't quad shield. Must be thicker somehow, it has only one each foil and braided wire.

[ADTech]

Get your micrometer out and make the following measurements and we'll see if we can identify it.

Outer diameter of jacket
Outer diameter of dielectric
Diameter of center conductor

[Bigbear]

Egg on my face!
Again you folks are right, wonder when I'll accept the fact.
Put my eyes on and went out with a flashlight and my cable is marked quad shielded. Will my fittings for ds-6Q fit?
Some other setup questions. My antenna is mounted on a pole that is not grounded ( according to some diagrams I've seen), bit it is a few inches into the ground. Problem?
I do have a properly installed grounding block for my co-ax.
My co-ax is zip ties to the mounting pole, is this ok?
Is regular RG6 cable ok for outdoor use?
Should I use compression fittings for in door use, or is it ok to use up my crimp connectors ( or just pitch them in the recycling bin)?

[Bigbear]

Anyone able to answer my questions in my last post?

Thanks
Bear

[rickbb]

Yes, yes and yes.