The AM Forum

I've searched and cannot find any conclusive answer. Does anyone know?

Thanks and 73s
geo VE3GZB

The connector uses the center conductor of the cable you use.  What ever the power rating of the cable will be that of the connector.

Ok. The cable I plan to use is outdoor rated RG/6, the stiff stuff that's used for satellite connections, aluminum shielded. I plan to run up to 600 watts.

Do you think RG/6 is man enough for it?

  Make sure your match is correct to the cables surge impedance and
  things should be peachy, George..
.

Yea, a dipole is theoretically 73 Ohms. The RG/6 is 75 Ohms. I never run without a tuner.

I was just wondering because I can't seem to find any connector which will fit the inner portion of this Coax, other than an F type as used on CATV.

Thanks and 73s,
geo VE3GZB

RG-6 might handle the oomph @ 600 Watts, but the problem will be the contact area of an 'F' handling the current (I2R).  CATV stuff runs no current to speak of.

You might try using the pro-style crimp on connector, leaving the center conductor protruding out a bit and still insulated, and then either soldering or otherwise mchanically fastening it inside your device.  This would use a cored-out female jack as a good shield connection, as the foil is tough to get a grip on.

At HF frequencies this would work fine, but not be easily 'unplugable'.

I have used the twist-on type BNC connector for 6, marked under the name 'Fastfits' and had good luck.  This might be an alternative ;)

73DG

MAYBE 100Watts
That entire concept of CATV connectors and CRIMP (?) is bad stuff. RG-6 might connect to a PL259.
NOW the radio will not be too happy with 75 ohms. There will always be a  mismatch plus the mismatch of the antenna. How accurate was the pruning of the wire antenna?? Can't tell with all of the mismatches.
Even the CATV industry has upgraded their connectors to something a lot better.

http://www.amazon.com/Paladin-Tools-9614-SealTite-Connectors/dp/B0012YO8FQ

Looks like the one in Amazon.
But I wouldn't throw more than 100 watts at that either

Fred

I run always with a tuner so the radio always sees something that makes it happy (50 ohms range) no matter what.

This RG/6, it's got this crappy aluminum shield and aluminum braid. Horrible stuff to work with. If the F type is no good, then I'll have to think of something else, go back to speaker wire then maybe!

73s geo VE3GZB

Maybe, but if it isn't enough you'll be the first one to know ;D

Most of the CATV RG-6 cables are copper clad steel center wire.  It would be much better to use cable with a solid copper center wire.

Fred

Yea, I don't want to find out that way.

For 75 ohm transmission line, I would suggest using either RG-59B/U or RG-11/U type coax cable. They are designed to handle RF currents.
See: http://www.therfc.com/coax.htm From there, you can also see attenuation (db/100 feet) and power ratings depending on operating frequency.
"Standard" UHF connectors (i.e. PL-259) can also be used if you go with the RG-11/U cable or with the additional "standard" 75 ohm reducer (UG-176/U) if you use the smaller RG-59B/U cable.

Ive been running 1200W SSB and 150W AM carrier for over a decade thru RG-6 and F connectors with PL-259 adaptors on the 75/40M sloper/inverted vee.

If you have to run a tuner then Id be concerned about flashing over at 600W if the SWR gets real high. I refuse to use any tuner with an amp.

Carl

 KB1ORY
  Old Edd

  I have used the 75 ohm cable at a 450 / 500 watt level for several
 years with no problem. You should use a really good sealer at and around
 the cable connector in order to keep moisture out.