what size f connector

[merlin777]

I have a foxsat HDR. One of the cables from the satellite dish has pulled out of the connector and I need to replace it.

Does anyone know what size F connector I need to get? I'm housebound so I need to mailorder it and I can't compare the old one in a shop with a new one. Does the size of sockets differ or does it depend on the cable thickness?

 

[grahamlthompson]

It depends on the outer diameter of the cable. The size of the hole in the f connector has to be a really tight fit on the outer insulation of the coax. Most f connectors are suitable for either 65 grade or 100 grade coax. Sounds like a cowboy has used a 100 grade cable f connector on a 65 grade cable. A properly sized connector can't be pulled of the cable.

First see

http://www.satcure.com/tech/fconn.htm

You do not need the grease for internal connections.

You probably have

these

http://www.screwfix.com/p/philex-coaxial-f-plug-pack-of-10/17061

and need

http://www.screwfix.com/p/f-connector-for-sky-cable-pack-of-10/98173

 

[merlin777]

Thanks for that. £5 postage is a bit steep for 1 plug so I think i'll get it off amazon. The screwfix page doesn't give the spec. Do you know what I need to look for?

 

[grahamlthompson]

Thanks for that. £5 postage is a bit steep for 1 plug so I think i'll get it off amazon. The screwfix page doesn't give the spec. Do you know what I need to look for?

Check the outer diameter of the cable, 65 grade is 4.0mm 100 grade is 6.8mm. Assuming I was right and you have the 4mm cable you need WF65 f connectors. Screwfix call them Sky connectors because Sky regulary use WF65 twin cable (shotgun). Haven't you a neighbour who will pick up a pack from B&Q (or Screwfix if you have a local branch) ?

 

[merlin777]

thanks, graham. i'll manage to sort something out ow i know what to get.
cheers

 

[Scuttlebroom]

Hi Merlin77

I ordered one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0083P4K28/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01 for a neighbour who has Sky, as his original connectors snapped on one of the cables, so I presume they would work for you as well? And they are free delivery and it arrived withn 2 days!

I asked a friend to install them for him, as he is housebound as well and as such couldn't replace them, and so far he is very happy with them.

Also they don't break if anyone accidentally hits the cable with the vacuum (long strory of why his aerial box is positioned where it is!)

 

[merlin777]

I thought I'd give everyone an update... and a laugh.

Firstly, the plugs are too small, so ebay here we come.
Secondly, the original is the right size - just badly made up.
Thirdly, I knew this connection was loose because the cable pulls out of the plug. However until a couple of days ago when I unplugged, rerouted and tidied everything, pushing it back in had always worked. This time it didn't so I assumed it had finally given up and decided to remake the end. I did this today and used the old plug. Put eveything back where it came from. No signal on the second tuner. After some checking I realised that when we put it all back a couple of days ago I had plugged LNB2 into LNB1 out. End of cautionary tale.

All working now...