GrooveTube® is another name for the MegaPhase super-flexible outer conductor used in many of our cable assemblies including: Warrior, GrooveTube, RF Orange, RF Green, VNA, SuperFlex, SiteLine, T-Vac Series, and BT Series. (more…)

Interface Alignment

Contact Pins and Dielectrics can be damaged if misaligned connectors are mated. Make sure that mating interfaces are parallel and on center during Mate/De-Mate cycle

Interface Rotation

Plating and surface finish of outer and inner contacts can be damaged if connector bodies are allowed to rotate during Mate/De-Mate cycle. Use wrench flats on connector bodies to keep them stationary while rotating coupling nut during mate/de-mate.

Minimized Load Configuration

Allow test cable to assume natural bend configuration route between test port and device port. Loosen test port connection when test configuration is largely different than test configuration. Route the cable, connect device port loosely then tighten both port connections to recommended coupling torque. This method will minimize most bend and twist loading issues.

We have essentially learned thus far that we need to properly care and handle cable interface interconnects, interface cleanliness, interface gauging, and recommended coupling torque. Another important aspect to cable care handling is cable routing:preventing over-bending!

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Stroudsburg, PA, Jan.10, 2012- As AUSA members we find it incredibly important to support our local chapters. Today MegaPhase joined NEPA at the Tobyhanna Army Depot for an informative luncheon featuring COL. Charles (Chuck) C. Gibson. (more…)

Another essential guideline in caring and handling of cable assemblies is preventing incorrect over-torque coupling.

Recommended Coupling Torque

Incorrect coupling torque can produce inaccurate measurements and over-torque coupling can damage test devices, adapters, and test ports. Torque wrenches should be utilized to for all Mate / De-Mate processes. (See Table II for recommended coupling torque values.)

                       Table II Recommended Coupling Torque

Look to our Torque Wrenches to avoid this problem.

Now that we have some guided information on Interface cleanliness, let’s continue with Interface Gauging.

Did you Know…

Incorrect center pin depths can produce inaccurate measurements and in the case of protruding center pins can damage test devices, adapters, and test ports. Frequent interface gauging can detect gauging problems before they ruin mating devices.(See Table I for Connector Interface Pin Depths)

Table I Connector Interface Pin Depths

LET’S BEGIN with Connector Interfaces

Interface Cleanliness is essential in caring and handling of your cable assemblies.Clean Interfaces prolong connector life and produce more accurate, repeatable measurements. The use of connector end-caps to protect test cables and adapters when not in use is recommended. Follow these few guidelines to ensure that you are properly and carefully handling your connectors.

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