DX Engineering DXE-UT-KITF User manual

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F6 Coaxial Cable Preparation
Tools Guide
for the DXE-UT-KITF Tool Kit
DXE-UT-F6-TOOLS-GUIDE-Revision 0a
DX Engineering 2017
1200 Southeast Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA
Phone: [phone] Technical Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]

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Table of Contents
Introduction
2
General Information
2
Preparing F6 Coaxial Cable and Installing a Snap-N-Seal®Connector
4
Using the F connector Tightening Tool
7
Weatherproofing
8
On-Line Instructional Videos
9
F Connector Tool Kit, Tools, Supplies and F6 Coaxial Cable from DX Engineering
10
Guide Updates
12
Technical Support and Warranty Information
12
Introduction
This guide will explain the preparation of F6, flooded, 75 ohm coaxial cable and the installation of
Snap-N-Seal®connectors using DXE-UT-KITF F-Connector Coaxial Cable Prep Tool Kit with
the various specialized tools supplied by DX Engineering. These tools were specifically selected to
make the task of preparing F6 coaxial cable easy, fast and safer then older methods. The tools
included in DXE-UT-KITF include:
1- Custom Made Case with custom pre-cut High Density Foam
1 - CNL-911 Cable Cutter
1 - DXE-SNS-CT1 Snap-N-Seal®Compression Tool
1 - DXE-CPT-659 F6 Coax Prep Tool w/Spare Blade
1 - DXE-UT-SNS6-25 1 package of 25 Snap-N-Seal®Connectors
1 - DXE-CIT-1 F Connector Tightening Tool
General Information
The DXE-UT-KITF DX Engineering F6 Coaxial Cable Preparation Tool Kit provides all the
tools you need in one convenient custom made case to prepare F6 coaxial cable using Snap-N-Seal®
F connectors.
DX Engineering F6 coaxial cable (DXE-F-1000 sold in a 1000 spool or DXE-F6-CTL sold by the
foot) is a high quality 75 ohm ‘flooded” coaxial cable ideal for amateur radio receive systems.
Flooded-style feedlines have the distinct advantage of automatically sealing small incidental cuts or
lacerations on the jacket. Flooding also prevents shield contamination and allows the coaxial cable
to be direct-buried. This low-loss cable features dual shields and an 85 percent velocity factor. The
waterproof polyethylene jacket is perfectly suited for direct bury, in conduit or above ground
applications.

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DXE-SNS6-25 - Snap-N-Seal®connectors (25 per package) are recognized as the best F-
Connectors and are used not only in Amateur Radio, but world-wide in the CCTV and Cable TV
industries. Snap-N-Seal®“F” series Male one-Piece compression connectors feature a user-friendly,
pre-positioned and detachably coupled plastic sleeve, incorporating time-proven advantages for a
reliable connection. Snap-N-Seal®One Piece Connectors use a proven 360º compression design. To
reduce assembly time and simplify installation, the plastic sleeve is pre-positioned and detachably
coupled to the connector body. True 360º compression onto cable ensures superior RF shielding
performance, -90 dB effective shielding (typical on 60% bonded foil cable). Installation requires
one-step 1/4” - 1/4” cable preparation and standard compression tool. Quad-sealed system prevents
moisture migration. Incorporates a Nickel Tin finish plus UV resistant plastic and O-rings to
provide a reliable, environmentally sealed product. Superb return loss performance of -30 dB to 1
GHz. Cable retention exceeds 40 lb. minimum as specified by the SCTE. Snap-N-Seal®connectors
cannot be properly crimped using standard pliers. A special Snap-N-Seal®crimper (DXE-SNS-
CT1) must be used to ensure reliable, weatherproof crimps.
Snap-N-Seal®connectors Physical Properties:
• Nut, Post and Collar: Brass
• Nut and Collar Finish: Nickel Tin
• Post Finish: Tin Plated
• O-Rings: Ethylene Propylene electrical Properties
• Return Loss: ≥-30 dB up to 1 GHz Typical
• Insertion Loss: ≤-0.18 dB up to 1 GHz Typical
• RFI Shielding: -90 dB Typical (60% Bonded Foil) Mechanical Properties
• Cable Retention: 40 lbs min. Complies to SCTE IPS-SP-401
• Cable Insertion Force: <20 lbs environmental properties
• Temperature Rating: -40°F (-40°C) to 140°F (60°C)
• Moisture Migration: Passes ANSI/SCTE 60 2004
Dielectric Grease is recommended to be used on F6 Connectors exposed to the outside environment.
DX Engineering offers two types of dielectric grease:
TES-22058 - Permatex Dielectric Grease and LCT-37534 - Loctite Dielectric Grease
Dielectric grease may be used in RF connectors to prevent moisture ingress. Feedlines and
connectors will last longer, providing peak performance for many more years with the use of
dielectric grease on the threads of RF connectors.
Preventing the effects of moisture is critical in RF feedline connections. Untreated connector
threads will oxidize, corrode and seize more quickly if water vapor can enter and collect inside RF
connectors. Ultimately, moisture will enter the coaxial cable, promoting contamination and
corrosion, resulting in elevated noise levels and increased signal loss.
Dielectric Grease, placed into the air space of RF connectors and their threads, will stop the adverse
effects of water vapor and water ingress. Avoiding direct application on mating surfaces of
connector center pins, dielectric grease is safe to use in the air spaces and threads of RF connectors.

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Preparing F6 Coaxial Cable and Installing a Snap-N-Seal®Connector
Tools required:
CNL-911 Cable Cutter
DXE-SNS-CT1 Snap-N-Seal®Compression Tool
DXE-CPT-659 F6 Coax Stripping Tool
DXE-UT-SNS6-25 Snap-N-Seal®Connectors
A. Use the CNL-911 to cut the coaxial cable. The CNL-911 cutters make a clean cut unlike regular
diagonal cutters.
B. Using the DXE-CPT-659 Cable Stripper,
press the tool to open, place the end of the
F6 coaxial cable in the tool. The end of
the coaxial cable will rest against the
built-in cable stop on the tool.
Release the tool so it grips the coaxial
cable.

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C. Rotate the tool around the cable until the cutting action is
complete. You will feel the stripper cutting the jacket and center
insulation. When the cutting is complete, the tool will spin a bit
free.
D. Squeeze the tool to remove the coaxial cable. There will be 2 cuts made giving you two 1/4”
cuts as shown below. Pull the cut parts off of the coaxial cable.
E. Fold the shield back onto the outer jacket.
F. Insert the prepared Coaxial Cable fully into the Snap-N-Seal®F Connector as shown. Ensure
the center conductor is slightly sticking out the end is as shown.

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G. Place the Snap-N-Seal®connector with coaxial cable into the DXE-SNS-CT1Compression
tool as shown.
H. Fully squeeze the DXE-SNS-CT1 Compression Tool handles together to completely compress
the Snap-N-Seal®connector as shown.
I. Remove completed coaxial cable assembly from DXE-SNS-CT1 Compression Tool.

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Using the DXE-CIT-1 F Connector Tightening Tool
The DXE-CIT-1 F Connector Tightening Tool makes putting on or taking off F Connector real
easy. Especially if the connectors are located close to each other. Not only can these be used for
Amateur Radio, but they work just fine on Cable TV lines, TV’s, DVR’s and anything that uses F
Connectors.
Insert the coaxial cable with the F Connector in the slotted side of the DXE-CIT-1 Tightening tool.
Seat the connector in the tool. Place the connector on the unit and screw in the F-Connector clock-
wise using the tool until the connector is tight. Remove the tool from the coaxial cable connector.
Reverse the process to remove an F Connector from your unit.

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Weatherproofing
Over the years many different methods have been used to weatherproof coaxial cable connections.
Some worked, some did not. Once water or condensation enters your coaxial cable, it will ruin the
coaxial cable or worse yet, cause shorting or high SWR conditions which could lead to permanent
damage to your transmitter.
One type of coaxial connector sealing material is a gummy tar like substance that you wrap around
the coaxial connector. This gummy substance works pretty good, except when you try to remove it
for maintenance or coaxial cable replacement, it can cause further problems. The gummy substance
just doesn't come off cleanly and small bits of it may remain in the threads of F Connectors, PL-
259's or SO-239's. These small bits of material are mini-insulators, and could cause intermittent
operation.
The method described here uses a combination of two types of tape which not only protect your
coaxial connection, but also allow easy removal for future maintenance.
Additionally, the coaxial cable and connectors should be clean and free of any moisture, dirt or
other residues.
The only tool you will need for this procedure is a pair of scissors. The following example shows an
F Connector being weatherproofed on a unit that will be used outdoors.
Note: The use of tape weatherproofing F Connectors that are outdoors and exposed to the
elements is up to the user. If Dielectric Grease is used, some people say this is enough
protection. Look at your cable TV installation - chances are there is no weatherproofing tape.
Others may want to go the extra steps for their own piece of mind.
A. Cut a piece of TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber
Splicing Tape long enough to complete the job you are doing.
If the length you cut is too short, that's okay. You can add more
where needed and it will not compromise the weatherproofing.
In this example a 4" length of the TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™
2155 Rubber Splicing Tape was used to weatherproof the F
Connector that is installed on a unit
B. The TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape
has a protective backing material so the tape will not stick to
itself when on the roll. As shown below, peel this protective
backing off of the length that you cut from the roll.

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C. Starting at the end nearest the unit, hold the end of the
cut length of TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber
Splicing Tape in place and stretch it out until the width
of the tape is about 50%.
D. While keeping the TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155
Rubber Splicing Tape stretched, wrap the tape around
the assembly and overlap the previous wrap by about
50%. Keep going until the complete assembly is
covered, and go an extra 1/2 to 1 inch beyond. Stretch
while overlapping wraps.
If the length you cut is too short for the entire assembly,
that's okay. You can add more starting where the one
piece ended (overlap it) and then continue on in the
same manner described above.
This completes the first layer wrap. TES-2155 - 3M
Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape requires an
added wrap of TES-06132 - Scotch®Super 33+ tape for
UV protection.
E. Starting about one inch before the previously installed 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing
Tape start a wrap of the TES-06132 - Scotch®Super 33+ tape. While wrapping, over lap the
previous wrap by about 50%. Use firm pressure while wrapping to ensure the tape is on flat and
there are no wrinkles or open spots.
Keep wrapping the Scotch®
Super 33+ tape until you are about an
inch past the end of the previously
installed 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber
Splicing Tape. Use the scissors to cut
the tape rather than stretching and
breaking the tape.
Using these quality products and this method, the completed weatherproofing will be complete
and reliable.

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On-Line Instructional Videos
DX Engineering has a number of instructional videos that you can view on-line that show products
used in this guide as well as other informative videos.
You can view the videos at the DX Engineering website in the Technical Support section at this
link:
http://www.dxengineering.com/techarticles/miscinfo/dx-engineering-videos
In the Technical Support section of the DX Engineering website you’ll find the following videos
that will help you to better understand the use of the tools described in this guide:
DXE-UT-KITF - F-Connector Tool Kit
Weatherproofing Coaxial Connectors
F Connector Tool Kit, Tools, Supplies and F6 Coaxial Cable available
from DX Engineering
DXE-UT-KITF - DX Engineering F-Connector Coaxial Cable Tool Kit
This cost-saving DX Engineering F-Connector Coaxial Cable Tool Kit provides a handsome,
convenient carrying case furnished with the most-used DX Engineering coaxial cable prep tools
and accessories for F6 coaxial cable. It features a rugged, lockable enclosure that is fitted with a
precut foam insert with a home for each tool. Not only is this DX Engineering F-Connector
Coaxial cable Tool Kit perfect for helping you keep track of your tools, but it also makes them
easy for you to carry from job to job.
Kit includes:
Stripping tool for F6 size cable
Stripping tool replacement blades
25 - Snap-N-Seal®watertight F-connectors for F6 coaxial cable
SNS connector compression tool for Snap-N-Seal®connectors
Coaxial cable shears
F-connector tightening tool
DXE-F6-CASE - DX Engineering F6 Cable Tool Case
The DX Engineering F6 Cable Prep Tool Case keeps your 75 ohm F6 coaxial cable prep tools in
one secure place. This rugged, lockable case is lined with a precut foam insert to provide a home
for each tool. Keep your tools together, protected, and out of sight with the DX Engineering F6
Cable Prep Tool Case. It also makes it easy for you to carry the tools from job to job.
CNL-911 - Coaxial cable Cutter
High quality CHANNELLOCK®cable cutters with blades designed to cut coaxial cable cleanly. The
cut end of the cable is cleanly cut - ready for stripping and connector assembly.