Technical data
184 Chapter 12 
Connector Care
Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors
Connector Care
• Never bend a cable at a sharp angle.
• Do not bend cables near the connectors.
• If any of the cables will be flexed repeatedly, buy a back-up cable. 
This will allow immediate replacement and will minimize your 
analyzer’s down time.
Before Connecting the Cables to Any Device:
• Check all connectors for wear or dirt. 
• When making the connection, torque the connector to the proper 
value.
Proper Connector Torque
• Provides more accurate measurements
• Keeps moisture out the connectors
• Eliminates radio frequency interference (RFI) from affecting your 
measurements
The torque required depends on the type of connector. Refer to Table 
12-1. Do not overtighten the connector.
CAUTION Never exceed the recommended torque when attaching cables.
Connector Wear and Damage
Look for metal particles from the connector threads and other signs of 
wear (such as discoloration or roughness). Visible wear can affect 
measurement accuracy and repeatability. Discard or repair any device 
with a damaged connector. A bad connector can ruin a good connector 
on the first mating. A magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe is useful 
during inspection.
Table 12-1 Proper Connector Torque
Connector Torque
cm-kg
Torque
N-cm
Torque
in-lbs
Wrench part 
number
Type-N 52 508 45 8710-1935
3.5 mm 9.2 90 8 8710-1765
SMA 5.7 56 5 8710-1582










