Connection Diagram

Navini Networks, Inc. Ripwave Base Station I&C Guide
Part #40-00047-00 Rev F v1.0 (TTA) 175
October 23, 2003
Appendix N: Install Connectors on Cables
Reference Chapter 1, Page 8 “Regulatory Information” requirements.
The following article, written by Lou Caruso of Times Microwave Systems, appears in Volume 8
Issue 5, 2000 of Telecom Exchange.
“Among the keys to success in any wireless system are the quality and reliability of the connector
installations on the coaxial cable transmission lines. And it naturally follows that the more difficult
the connectors are to install, the lower the likelihood that they will be installed correctly thus
adversely affecting the quality and reliability of the entire system.
Traditional connectors require the pin contact to be soldered to the center conductor of the coax
cable. Unfortunately, when RF transmission lines are installed outdoors as is often the case, weather
conditions may not be conducive to using soldering equipment. Wind, rain and snow all can make
soldering difficult if not impossible. If electrical power isn’t available, gas or butane fired soldering
equipment may be the only recourse and these devices typically do not generate as much heat as
electrically powered devices. Consequently, they may not do as good of a job. The physical handling
of the cable, connector pin, butane torch and solder can also be tricky (not enough hands!),
especially if there’s only one person doing the installation.
For indoor installations, such as distributed antenna systems in buildings, the installer may be
working in cramped spaces, on a ladder and in low-light conditions. How can these issues be
overcome to ensure a reliable connector installation and proper system performance?
Simplicity is the key. The connector installation process can be simplified with the use of non-solder
connectors and the correct installation tools. We have designed non-solder connectors to work with
our LMR
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low-loss flexible 50-Ohm coaxial cables. These connectors may be installed under all
field installation conditions, because they use either silver or gold plated copper-beryllium spring
finger contacts that make positive contact with the center conductor and do not require soldering.
Small cable sizes, LMR-400 (3/8”) and LMR-600 (1/2”), require a crimp-style contact attachment
ring. When the cable is larger, the LMR-900-DB (5/8”) for example, a larger clamp method of
attachment is needed. Interfaces available include 7-16DIN, N, TNC and reverse polarity TNC
connectors.
Even though using non-solder connectors is simpler, there are still certain techniques that must be
used if a proper connection is to be achieved. Additionally, you must use the proper tools to get the
job done, including stripping, prepping and deburring instruments. Poorly installed connectors are
the most common cause of voltage standing wave ratio problems. Likewise, a good connection will
achieve the best RF transmission performance with a minimum of signal loss. The following
techniques will ensure a good connection and long-term reliability.