Antenna cables

• Installation

  • Install all conductors and cables in a neat, orderly fashion. Avoid placing them directly over or across system components.

  • Avoid installing conductors carrying low level analog signals in close proximity and parallel to conductors carrying digital signals or switched voltage levels.

• Bend Radius

  • The RF cable used to connect the radio and antenna has a specified minimum bend radius. Exceeding it will lead to a degradation of system performance such as increased signal losses, and high VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio).

• Strain Relief

  • Avoid cable chaffing and connector fatigue by providing strain relief to all conductors and cables that span a distance of more than 30 cm (12 inches) or have a potential for relative motion due to vibration or wind.

• Connectors

  • All exposed RF connectors should be weatherproofed. A good method is to apply overlapping wraps of a good quality mastic tape, extending several inches beyond either side of the connection, then cover the mastic tape with tight, overlapping wraps of a good quality vinyl tape.

  • Keep electrical connectors clean and corrosion free by periodic application of a good quality aerosol-based contact cleaner.