On Sat, 11 Jan 2014 19:41:20 -0500, Jerry Stuckle
wrote:

I didn't say they were unknown. Just that professional integrators
(including us) use better quality connectors.

Could I trouble you for a photo or part number for the crimp type F
connectors that you are using? I want to see what I'm missing.

Incidentally, SCTE IPS-TP-401 specifies that F connectors should
survive a 40 lb pull test.
http://www.sbcatest.com/SBCA%20connector%20recommended%20practices.pdf
I once built a fixture for testing this. Many of the cheap connectors
that I randomly purchased on eBay failed the test. You might want to
try it with your crimp connectors.

And BTW, I checked with a couple of other integrator friends today.
They've never seen the cable companies around here use them, either. In
fact, the only place they've seen them used is by hobbyists and other
consumers. No professionals.

Once a year, CED Magazine[1] provides an F-connector cross reference
wall chart. Here's the one for 2011. I don't recall seeing one in
the past 2 years probably because the incompatibility problems have
finally stabilized:
http://www.cedmagazine.com/wallcharts/2011/10/f-connector-cross-reference-chart-2011
http://www.cedmagazine.com/sites/cedmagazine.com/files/Wall_Charts/1111_F-Cconnector-WC.pdf
If you inspect the chart, you'll see the various SNS Snap-n-Seal part
numbers. The advertisement in the lower right is for Belden/T&B SNS
connectors.

What I guess(tm) happened was prior to Belden purchasing Thomas and
Betts in 2010, T&B had no interest in producing a connector that would
work with all RG-6/u type cables. Having many different types means
everyone has to carry a larger inventory. I'm too lazy to check, but
my bin contains at least 4 different F plugs for various manufacturers
cables and shield types of RG-6/u. I use the above chart to make sure
I don't create a mismatch. The most common connector is the SNS1P6
LRC series, color coded "blue", which fits double shielded RG-6/u.
http://www.tnb.com/pubint/docs/snapnseal.pdf (11 MBytes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBZAHhH4wCo (2 min)
Immediately after the acquisition, Belden introduced the "red"
connector, which is a universal replacement for most of the others and
will fit double, triple, and quad shielded RG-6/u. My experience with
this connector hase been quite good. However, I continue to use the
"blue" for double shielded RG-6/u because I have about a years
inventory of connectors left. When I reorder, it will probably be the
universal (or ultimate) "red" type in cool looking nickel-tin plating.

Locally, Comcast and Charter both use various types of T&B
Snap-and-Seal connectors. I had Comcast install cable internet in our
office building. That's all that I saw in use. In older
installations, they use Augat LRC connectors, which are the
predecessor of the current Belden/T&B connectors.

You also mentioned compression and stripping tools. I have about 5 of
them, ranging from cheap eBay junk to the T&B IT1000 which sells for
about $100:
http://www.mjsales.net/itemsearch.asp?FamilyID=202
The IT1000 seems to work best, although some odd extra long
compression connectors, or the BNC or Phono compression connectors,
require a different tool. I also stupidly bought a compression tool
that only fits one manufacturers connectors, and none other. Most of
my ham antennas use a compression BNC connector and/or F-connector to
UHF or BNC adapter. My IT1000 is marked Augat LRC, which should give
a clue as to its age.

You also mentioned that you're using RG-59/u. Please note that
RG-59/u lacks the foil shield(s) of RG-6/u which means that it leaks
more and suffers from possible ingres problems. RG-59/u has higher
attenuation:
RG-59 RG-6
50 MHz 2.4 dB 1.5 dB
100 MHz 3.4 dB 2.0 dB
400 MHz 7.0 dB 4.3 dB
900 MHz 11.1 dB 6.8 dB
1000 MHz 12.0 dB 7.0 dB
I've purged RG-59/u from my life many years ago. Are you sure you
want to continue using the stuff.

Not all RG-6/u cables are equal. Here's some junk:
http://sewelldirect.com/RG6-Bulk-Cable-Black-60-Braided-1000ft-Spool.asp
RG-6/u with no foil shield and only 60% coverage.

--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558