Hey thanks, John. I will get you a picture when I have my digital camera back, i.e. when my Family is back in three weeks. So you think it's doable if one can get the connectors? I'm always wondering why the internal CI cable is so nice and small whereas the outside cable is terribly stiff and big. thanks, -Gunther John Allain wrote: -- Gunther Schadow, M.D., Ph.D. gschadow(a)regenstrief.org Medical Information Scientist Regenstrief Institute for Health Care Adjunct Assistant Professor Indiana University School of Medicine tel:1(317)630-7960 http://aurora.regenstrief.org

On Tue, 28 May 2002, Bob Lafleur wrote: Venturing a little OT... The ARRL antenna book used to have some information on how to use some brass compression fittings to install PL-259s on hardline. Some of that information might be applicable to N connectors, but I don't know well that would work. I still wonder if the aluminum jacket would react with the brass fittings too... -Toth

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On Tue, 28 May 2002, Tony Duell wrote: Of course, with larger connectors such as these, soldering them tends to be difficult for folks without lots of practice and the proper iron. It is easy to melt the dialectic if too much heat is used, and the connection will be unreliable if the solder does not bond properly due to low heat. For one or two connections, a crimp tool might seem a little expensive, but the types that use interchangeable die sets are not a bad investment. For "budget" use, I find the Paladin Tools [http://www.paladin-tools.com/] 1300 series crimper outfitted with the proper die set will do a very nice crimp job. Another crimper that is virtually identical (and appears to use the same dies) is the Crimpmaster crimp tool made by Ideal Industries [http://www.idealindustries.com/]. Typically the crimper (either one) can be had without a die set for under US $35, and the die sets range from US $8-20, depending on the type of connector(s) they are designed for. If the die set you want is a common one, a prepackaged crimper+die set is usually available at a slightly discounted price. -Toth

On Wed, 29 May 2002, Tony Duell wrote: I'm not going to debate that one, though I personally think both an assortment of soldering irons/tips and hand tools (including crimpers) are essential for computer restoration and maintenance. Paladin Tools and Ideal Industries both make high quality tools. Paladin is a favorite among many telecom/datacom installers here in the states, and Ideal has been a favorite among electricians for ages. Ideal got into telecom/datacom tools more recently, and it appears that their tools are getting popular in that trade now too. Of course, then there is Klein Tools [http://www.kleintools.com/], who makes some of the best electricians tools known to man. I'm still waiting for them to get into telecom/datacom tools :) I personally own a Paladin 1300 series, as well as a few others. I haven't had any problems with it (other than the fact I lost a screw that holds the die, and I don't want to spend $8 for a pair of screws...) Both of those tools are ratcheting types with adjustable tension. The die sets are indeed hardened steel. I found it next to impossible to engrave or stamp the die part number into them. Newer die sets already have the part number stamped into them from the factory, which certainly makes them easier to identify. I'll take a photo of my 1300 and die sets if you want to have a closer look at one. It has about 10 years of wear on it, and still looks good. Since we are on the subject of tools and crimpers, is anyone aware of a company that makes a crimper for AMP insulated flag-style faston (quick connect) connectors? Due to the terminal's design, even a good ratchet crimper for insulated terminals won't work. AMP sells a suitable crimper, but they charge upwards of $300-500 for it. -Toth