F-type connector

[Simpo Two]

I'm thinking of buying this for my boat: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254456183338?ul_noapp=t...

The aerial fitting according to the seller is F-type female, and so needs an F-type male plug (ie screwed on not push fit).

However the coax cable is currently bare ended so I need a line plug. Can't find one anywhere, only in made-up cables. Do they exist?

[Scrump]

Is this what you need?
https://www.screwfix.com/p/labgear-coaxial-f-plug-...

[Simpo Two]

Scrump said:

Is this what you need?
https://www.screwfix.com/p/labgear-coaxial-f-plug-...

Thanks Scrump - it might be but I can't tell what the back is...

[Mr Pointy]

The F-type is the worlds simplest & bodgiest connector: the center conductor of the wire acts as the connector center pin & the body just screws on to the insulation with the screen folded back & trapped. They are so cheap even Amazon only sell them in packs of 10. You can buy crimp versions but then you'd need a tool as well so you might as well stick with the screw on type. The Screwfix ones linked to above are fine.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=f+type+connector&...

[Mr Pointy]

Simpo Two said:

Thanks Scrump - it might be but I can't tell what the back is...

The back of what?

[Simpo Two]

Mr Pointy said:

Simpo Two said:

Thanks Scrump - it might be but I can't tell what the back is...

The back of what?

I mean I can see the screw bit at the front, but I can't see what the back is like. It doesn't say 'line plug'; it might be a 3.5mm jack socket!

Never met F-type before; other coax stuff has been push-fit.

[Mr Pointy]

Simpo Two said:

Mr Pointy said:

Simpo Two said:

Thanks Scrump - it might be but I can't tell what the back is...

The back of what?

I mean I can see the screw bit at the front, but I can't see what the back is like. It doesn't say 'line plug'; it might be a 3.5mm jack socket!

Never met F-type before; other coax stuff has been push-fit.

It's open - the connector is just a tube with a thread cut into it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfdfAuJK4xs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjMiCgyeFm4

I did say it was basic!

[Simpo Two]

Mr Pointy said:

It's open - the connector is just a tube with a thread cut into it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfdfAuJK4xs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjMiCgyeFm4

I did say it was basic!

Remarkable, it really does look like a bodge! So that's a plan, thanks.

I happen to have a couple of the push-fit plugs spare. Would one of those push onto the F-type thread, or is the diameter wrong?

[Scrump]

not sure what you mean by plugs. The F type connectors screw (or crimp if you buy different style) straight onto the coax cable.

See here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNqJcmslwyM

(just the first video I found)

[Simpo Two]

These are what I have: https://cpc.farnell.com/pro-signal/rw7-001/coax-pl...

[VEX]

No, what you have linked to will not fit onto the F Type side of that plate.

The no-tool fit for F Types is horrid, but at least more secure (when do properly) than the IEC (Aerial) connections.

Never use them myself, use crimp tool or PushFit ones, otherwise I would have dropped a couple in the post to you.

V.

[Scrump]

Unscrew those ones you have from the coax. Put them away as you don’t need them for this.

Buy the screw on f type connectors from screw fix/amazon or wherever (links above).

Watch the linked YouTube video and then screw one of your new f type connectors onto the bare end of you coax (copying what you saw in the video).

[Mr Pointy]

Simpo Two said:

These are what I have: https://cpc.farnell.com/pro-signal/rw7-001/coax-pl...

No, that's a Belling-Lee connector used for terrestrial aerials - it's what is on the front face of your panel.

[donkmeister]

Just to weigh in... I'd advise compression fit.

Go to ebay, type in "compression fit f-connector" and buy a kit that's around £9-10 for 20 connectors, a cable stripper and a cheap compression tool. Watch a video on youtube on how to use it. You'll never use the bodgy twist-on connectors again.

Note that with all F-connectors I've ever seen (twist, crimp or compression) they are sized for the cable being used... Most aerial cable is WF100 / RG6 but it's worth checking. At least Belling Lee connectors can cope with different sizes.