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Image: Pair of RCA Model DT60CF Coaxial F-ConnectorsWhile searching for F-connectors that feature an integral center pin rather than typical products that require a coaxial cable's bare copper center conductor to serve the purpose (prone to oxidize), I came across a rather unique line of A/V connectors from RCA/Thompson. A nice bonus is a few models are available from the local Home Depot (no need to pay for an online seller's shipping charge).
There are a few perhaps higher performance (and more expensive) solder type and set screw type terminated F-connectors with integral center pins (Ultralink, ViaBlue, among others), but the gold plated brass RCA brand connectors designed by Centerpin Technology (see link) are quite elegant, very solid, and a no-brainer for even a newbie to terminate (no need for soldering skills nor a crimping tool other than common needle-nose pliers).
Centerpin Technology web site link:
http://www.centerpin.com/flash-intro.html
A notable thing to mention; the F-connectors are intended for both indoor and outdoor use, so the package includes small rubber O-rings to seal the cap-to-body interface from outdoor moisture. Not so obvious (to notice) is the connector also features a rubber O-ring that's pre-installed near the center pin within the threaded thumbscrew ground nut. If the connector is intended for indoor use I recommend that the O-ring be removed with tweezers or fished-out with a pointy thingy, since I found CATV audio to sound much better without it, obviously (to my thinking) providing a more solid ground connection between the threaded thumbscrew and connector body.
An interesting article about problematic coaxial connection issues can be found here:
http://cs.pennnet.com/articles/article_display.cfm?article_id=243912
The image shown on the digitaltrends.com web page (see link below) is RCA's Centerpin Technology inline butt joint connector (Model DT60CFT for RG6 cabling) designed to splice two coaxial cables together:
Follow Ups:
Hi Duster,How about F-connector using the coax cable's center conductor with no need for the extra center pin? Did you find any quality design in your quest? Thanks.
Hi Alan, Digicon's pinless F-connectors are well regarded. Similar robust models from reputable makers are likely as good, I would guess. The problem is that no matter how excellent a pinless design may be, it only pays attention to the braided shield termination (and weather proofing), and ignores the bare center conductor issue. Read the PennWell article. Installers want the ease of a one piece connector design and that's why a pinless design is still in use (it makes as much sense as a pinless rca connector, IMHO). When I replaced my ISP's copper clad steel coaxial cable terminated with pinless F-connectors with an all-copper coaxial cable terminated with F-connectors with an integral central pin, my broadband DL speed went from 1.1 megabits per second (good) to 1.8 megabits per second (great). CATV audio also sounds far better when the same swap is done with a SPC/Teflon coax cable terminated with F-connectors with an integral central pin (betterment of audio quality much more notable than video quality). Even the short RF jumper cable located on the back of my digital CATV box has been upgraded to great effect.
Duster,Thanks for the info. It seems to be ideal for my overly ambitious project , which will connect my Accuphase T-1000 tuner to the rooftop antenna via 10 meters of Oyaide FTVS-510!
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