What's the bend radius on 1/2" hardline coax. Doing research, I seen 5" max. But I wanted to ask y'all? Thanks
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Bend radius
- Thread starter JamesBrox
- Start date
I did. But wasn't quite sure what it meant. Single bending 2.8", Repeated bending 4.7". So basically, if I bend it at 3" roughly one time, I'm fine....no damage. But I keep the radius' at 5", roughly, I can reroute as much as I need to, w/o damage.
I'm thinking of this.....https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/products/1-2-heliax-feed-line-50ft
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
That's what the spec says. Remember, its radius...
Apparently.
But I'd say give it more room. Yes, according to the specs you can bend it that tight, but it's challenging stuff to work with, and if you go to far, often the outer shield will kink, and then you are stuck. I don't think I'd ever bend 1/2" hard line that tight.
There may be better cable choices. How long is your run? If it's relatively short, or this tight bend is close to one of the ends, you might want to use a length of SuperFlex and use the hardline for the rest.
Yes sir, advise greatly appreciated. WRXU693
How long is your run? If it's relatively short, or this tight bend is close to one of the ends, you might want to use a length of SuperFlex and use the hardline for the rest.
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50'
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50'
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
If you really have to snake this through residential type walls, then you may want to reconsider. I've done it in my own home, but I had to use a 90º connector on the end to stub into a wall jack.
If a bit of additional loss is tolerable, the FSJ4-50 "superflex" cable might be a better choice. It'll bend in a smaller radius and is much easier to work with in tight spaces.
ANDREW® - An Amphenol Company | Future-Proof Wireless Networks
ANDREW powers wireless networks for mobile operators and enterprises boosting outdoor and indoor network capabilities for 5G technology and beyond.
It does require different connectors than the non-superflex stuff, though.
If you don't mind installing your own connectors, it'll be easier to install and less expensive than what Bridgecom is selling:
ANDREW an Amphenol company - HELIAX® 1/2 in FSJ4-50B Superflexible Corrugated Copper Foam Coax Cable, Black PE Jacket - FSJ4-50B - Tessco
ANDREW, an Amphenol company's HELIAX® 1/2-inch FSJ4-50B Superflexible foam coax cable with a maximum frequency capacity of 10.2 GHz. This coax cable has a minimum bend radius of 1.25 inches (single or multiple bends). Material Specifications: Dielectric: Foam PE Jacket: Durable PE outer Inner...
www.tessco.com
ANDREW an Amphenol company - N Male Straight Connector for HELIAX® 1/2 in FSJ4-50B Cable - F4PNMV2-HC - Tessco
ANDREW an Amphenol company's N Male straight connector for HELIAX® 1/2-inch FSJ4-50B cable. Contact Plating and Attachment Method: Gold inner and trimetal outer Captivated inner and crush-flare outer Compliance/Certification: RoHS and REACH-SVHC Designed, manufactured and/or distributed under...
www.tessco.com
I may have to go that route, I'll see. My shack is a stand-alone building. So, all I'm going through is one exterior wall to the outside. No major navigating. I looked at those links before I ordered the Bridgecom cable. Only reason I didn't, is because I'd have to put the connectors on myself. I don't have/didn't want to buy a stripping tool/bit for just two connections and I trust myself to do I quality job at terminating.If you really have to snake this through residential type walls, then you may want to reconsider. I've done it in my own home, but I had to use a 90º connector on the end to stub into a wall jack.
If a bit of additional loss is tolerable, the FSJ4-50 "superflex" cable might be a better choice. It'll bend in a smaller radius and is much easier to work with in tight spaces.
ANDREW® - An Amphenol Company | Future-Proof Wireless Networks
ANDREW powers wireless networks for mobile operators and enterprises boosting outdoor and indoor network capabilities for 5G technology and beyond.www.commscope.com
It does require different connectors than the non-superflex stuff, though.
If you don't mind installing your own connectors, it'll be easier to install and less expensive than what Bridgecom is selling:
ANDREW an Amphenol company - HELIAX® 1/2 in FSJ4-50B Superflexible Corrugated Copper Foam Coax Cable, Black PE Jacket - FSJ4-50B - Tessco
ANDREW, an Amphenol company's HELIAX® 1/2-inch FSJ4-50B Superflexible foam coax cable with a maximum frequency capacity of 10.2 GHz. This coax cable has a minimum bend radius of 1.25 inches (single or multiple bends). Material Specifications: Dielectric: Foam PE Jacket: Durable PE outer Inner...ANDREW an Amphenol company - N Male Straight Connector for HELIAX® 1/2 in FSJ4-50B Cable - F4PNMV2-HC - Tessco
ANDREW an Amphenol company's N Male straight connector for HELIAX® 1/2-inch FSJ4-50B cable. Contact Plating and Attachment Method: Gold inner and trimetal outer Captivated inner and crush-flare outer Compliance/Certification: RoHS and REACH-SVHC Designed, manufactured and/or distributed under...
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
The tools make life easier, but they are an expensive investment for just two connectors.
I've installed many Heliax connectors just using a razor blade, a hack saw, and a small file to chamfer the end of the center conductor. Wouldn't fly in the professional world, but was just fine at home.
I've installed many Heliax connectors just using a razor blade, a hack saw, and a small file to chamfer the end of the center conductor. Wouldn't fly in the professional world, but was just fine at home.
I get it. I can do it but I wouldn't know how far to cut back each layer.....ect. Then if I did do it and put in service and the SWR is sky high......it wouldn't be a good day around here for me or my family....LOL.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Connectors come with the measurements.
But I totally get it. Sometimes it's better to just buy what you need and not mess with the details. You may have to search around for someone who will make superflex cables for you. If you can find them, the regular stuff will work, you just need to give yourself enough space to get it routed.
50' will work. Reason I know is that the hardline is replacing already existing LMR400 for my GMRS repeater. Same antenna location and same repeater location in the shack. So, I think I'll be ok. I've gradually figured out the LMR400 is not a good cable for repeater use. Live and learn.
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mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Yeah, that's one of the issues with the LMR grade cable. It'll work if it's kept perfectly dry and never gets damaged, but not the right choice.
1/2" Heliax should be a good improvement for you.
If it wasn't so expensive to ship, I'd offer to build the cable for you. Unfortunately it's a bit bulky and the shipping would kill ya'.
Appreciate that offer.... mighty nice of you. Shipping cost are outrageous. Anyway, thanks again and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
WRXU693
WRXU693
