Obviously it's working. EIGHT pages of replies? I'd call that a win for DXE for their somewhat over-priced cables. I'll stick to making my own. Dave W7UUU
The math doesn't add up using this tool. RG8U @ 84 cents per foot, 100 feet and two pl259's is $118. ($16 per connector) 32 feet and one connector is $67, making that pl259 a $40 item.
When I set about to erect my tower and realized I'd need the better part of a 500' spool of RG8-ish cable, I looked at several sources. Their DXE400MAX was the best buy. I included shipping cost.
I'm talking about the original post. The "crimping service" Of course DXE sells quality cable. That's where I buy all my raw cable. Go back and read the first post if you're not aware of what this thread is talking about.... a "service" to make up cables for you at pretty proud prices. Dave W7UUU
No, the PL259 is a $5.99 item. The rest is labor for the ~5 minutes it takes to crimp it on the cable Dave W7UUU
Thanks for clarifying your post. UHF connectors are very easy to install. Pre-installed UHF males (especially crimped) shouldn't cost that much. $1.75 each for generic top quality silver-Teflon from The RF Connection (pn PL-259/TSS, link). I recently bought a bag of 20. In 10-piece quantity, they're only $1.50 each. Soldering them takes only a minute or so (w/o a fancy prep tool).
I need a three foot jumper. I better order 400 feet of coax and 15 PL-259s. As soon as I make the cable I will want to move the radio three inches.
Well I guess since you just have to know, I decided that between the cost difference, the availability and convenience that it would be nice to not have to do it with this setup. It is not due any lack of ability as within the last month and a half I have repaired a "built in '84" VHF amplifier, built and installed a 135' doublet fed with ladderline, installed a VHF/UHF system in my newer work van, volunteered my time and skills to help repair a 120' tower that was blown over in a windstorm, not to mention but I spend my weekdays installing, training and repairing metal fabrication machinery of all types.. hydraulics, computers, PLC's and the mechanicals. So now would you desire to know what color, it's weight and aroma of what I left in the throne this morning? So now who really needs to get a grip? "Because I CHOSE TO! THAT'S WHY..." geesh...
Mazel Tov.. Don't know why you felt compelled to augment your claim that "it is not due to any lack of ability" with a lot of irrelevant activities but it's good to know you can solder a PL259.
Unless higher authority specifies otherwise, simple connectors require only simple tools. For instance, I can quickly install an Amphenol 83-58FCP "Field Crimp Plug" (http://www.amphenolrf.com/downloads/dl/file/id/19) using only a small pair of pointy-tipped cutters.
I think a lot of this is about time. Many still work and balance family and other hobbies with ham radio. It's not just about the time to put the stuff together, but running to the parts store, etc. Still, the price seems way to high IMO.