We will be building a typical Coax cables (ARCnet and 10Base2 Ethernet) in
our hands-on lab projects. Use the following short procedure as a guideline
for stripping & terminating coaxial cables.
Your Coax cables may be insulated and jacketed with PVC or with Teflon®
(plenum).
For best results, the universal tools and connector types listed below are
recommended:
1. CUT THE CABLE
Make a straight cut on the termination end of the coax cable.
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2. INSERT COAX CABLE INTO STRIPPER
Set the Coax wire stripper (Two-step rotating stripper) to the RG-59 setting
for ARCnet, (RG-59 & RG-62 are the same diameter) or the RG-58 setting for
10Base2 Ethernet. Adjust the stripper to meet the desired cable diameter and
stripping requirements (usually with an hex allan wrench). For best results,
the stripper should be adjusted to expose 1/4" of the conductor and
1/4" of the insulation. Insert the cable into the stripper.
NOTE: Rather than adjusting the stripper each
time, it may be easier and faster to set and use different strippers for
varying cable diameters. |
3. ROTATE THE STRIPPER
The dual-set blades of the coax wire stripper will strip the end of the coax
cable with a precise two-stage cut. Strip the ends of your coax cable using a
rotary motion (three to five full turns) with the coax stripper. Always turn
the stripper the same direction. Do not cut all the way through the
jacket to avoid nicking the shield. Flex the jacket to complete seperating
the jacket.
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4. INSPECT THE STRIPPED CABLE
Pull the coax cable out of the stripper and inspect the cable for stripping
quality. This inspection includes making sure that the center conductor and
the insulation are not nicked or scored and that stray strands from the braid
are pushed away from the conductor. You are now ready to crimp the center pin.
NOTE: Do not use the stripper to pull the cut
ends off the cable.
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5. SEAT & CRIMP CENTER PIN ON CONDUCTOR
Seat the captive center pin of the BNC connector on the exposed conductor.
Crimp the center pin to the end of the center conductor using the small
diameter pin crimp die on the ratchet crimping tool.
NOTE: Make sure that all of the strands of the center conductor
are in the hole in the center pin before crimping.
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6. INSERT SLEEVE FERRULE & BNC BODY ONTO CABLE
Slide the sleeve ferrule over the pin and exposed insulation. Place the BNC
connector body on the cable end. Align the connector body so that its shaft
fits over the pin and between the braid and insulation. This should spread
the braid. Slip the connector body under the braided shield as far as it
will go. Check for stray strands and push them out of the way.
NOTE: Make sure that the pin flange rests
on the exposed insulation and the top of the pin is flush with the top of the
BNC body. |
7. CRIMP CONNECTOR ONTO CABLE
Slide up the crimp ferrule sleeve to cover the exposed braided shield up to
the BNC body shoulder. Make sure that the ratcheting crimping tool is fitted
with the proper hex die. Place the crimping tool over the ferrule sleve and
squeeze the crimping tool to evenly and completely crimp the ferrule to the
BNC body. Inspect for neatness and tightness of the termination. Pull &
Flex firmly on the BNC connector to make sure it is crimped tightly to the
cable
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- Repeat steps 1-7 for the other end of the cable.
- TEST YOUR CABLE:
- Use a digital multimeter or cable testing tool to test your cable for
shorts. Check from the center pin to the BNC connector body (any Ohm
reading other than infinity)
- Using a BNC loop-back and digital multimeter or cable testing tool,
test your cable for open conductor or open shield. (any Ohm reading
other than zero)
- Using a BNC butt-splice and terminating resistor, test for a
93 Ohm reading for ARCnet (±5%) or 50 Ohm (±2%) reading for 10Base2
Ethernet.
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