On Fri, 17 Feb 2006 17:35:47 -0800, Roy Lewallen
wrote:

There are quite a number of styles of N connector, and each is a bit
different. Cable stripping dimensions for a couple of the more common
ones are shown in the ARRL Handbook, and you might be able to find
instructions for your particular connector on the manufacturer's web
site. I'd say the most important thing is to make sure the center
conductor pin protrudes the correct distance, and make sure the cable
end of the center conductor pin is against the insulation. That is,
there shouldn't be any place where air is the only dielectric between
inner and outer conductors except along the large diameter portion of
the center pin.

My advice is based more on extensive experience with time domain
reflectometry than on a great deal of experience making precision cables
with N connectors. Hopefully someone with more actual connector
experience will comment further.

Roy Lewallen, W7EL

Roy makes some good points. However, for this application, I think
what is also important is that the cables be identical.

If you make the same mistake on all of them then they are still
"identical".

Lay them out and cut them all at the same time. To reinforce what Roy
said, one thing you absolutely -do not- want to happen is to have the
center pin protrude too far. If it bottoms in the mating connector on
your analyzer and damages it you will not be a happy camper.



Paul Burridge wrote:
Hi all,

I have to make up some highly accurate length RG-214 coax patch leads
for network analyzer interconnects up to 1.3Ghz. I have the cable and
the male N-type plugs to terminate them with.
So how best to trim this cable to maintain its 50 ohm impedance as
the plugs are joined to the cable? The plugs' center pins are
solder-type; the shielding Otoh is clamped in place. Are there any
fool-proof cutting dimensions to get the result right every time?
THanks,
Paul