- 1 -

F6 Coaxial Cable Preparation

Tools Guide

for the DXE-UT-KITF Tool Kit

DXE-UT-F6-TOOLS-GUIDE-Revision 0a

DX Engineering 2017

1200 Southeast Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA

Phone: (800) 777-0703 Technical Support and International: (330) 572-3200

Fax: (330) 572-3279 E-mail: DXEngineering@DXEngineering.com

- 2 -

Table of Contents

Introduction 2

General Information 2

Preparing F6 Coaxial Cable and Installing a Snap-N-Seal® Connector 4

Using the F connector Tightening Tool 7

Weatherproofing 8

On-Line Instructional Videos 9

F Connector Tool Kit, Tools, Supplies and F6 Coaxial Cable from DX Engineering 10

Guide Updates 12

Technical Support and Warranty Information 12

Introduction

This guide will explain the preparation of F6, flooded, 75 ohm coaxial cable and the installation of

Snap-N-Seal®

connectors using DXE-UT-KITF F-Connector Coaxial Cable Prep Tool Kit with

the various specialized tools supplied by DX Engineering. These tools were specifically selected to

make the task of preparing F6 coaxial cable easy, fast and safer then older methods. The tools

included in DXE-UT-KITF include:

1 - Custom Made Case with custom pre-cut High Density Foam

1 - CNL-911 Cable Cutter

1 - DXE-SNS-CT1 Snap-N-Seal®

Compression Tool

1 - DXE-CPT-659 F6 Coax Prep Tool w/Spare Blade

1 - DXE-UT-SNS6-25 1 package of 25 Snap-N-Seal®

Connectors

1 - DXE-CIT-1 F Connector Tightening Tool

General Information

The DXE-UT-KITF DX Engineering F6 Coaxial Cable Preparation Tool Kit provides all the

tools you need in one convenient custom made case to prepare F6 coaxial cable using Snap-N-Seal®

F connectors.

DX Engineering F6 coaxial cable (DXE-F-1000 sold in a 1000 spool or DXE-F6-CTL sold by the

foot) is a high quality 75 ohm ‘flooded” coaxial cable ideal for amateur radio receive systems.

Flooded-style feedlines have the distinct advantage of automatically sealing small incidental cuts or

lacerations on the jacket. Flooding also prevents shield contamination and allows the coaxial cable

to be direct-buried. This low-loss cable features dual shields and an 85 percent velocity factor. The

waterproof polyethylene jacket is perfectly suited for direct bury, in conduit or above ground

applications.

- 3 -

DXE-SNS6-25 - Snap-N-Seal® connectors (25 per package) are recognized as the best F-

Connectors and are used not only in Amateur Radio, but world-wide in the CCTV and Cable TV

industries. Snap-N-Seal® “F” series Male one-Piece compression connectors feature a user-friendly,

pre-positioned and detachably coupled plastic sleeve, incorporating time-proven advantages for a

reliable connection. Snap-N-Seal®

One Piece Connectors use a proven 360º compression design. To

reduce assembly time and simplify installation, the plastic sleeve is pre-positioned and detachably

coupled to the connector body. True 360º compression onto cable ensures superior RF shielding

performance, -90 dB effective shielding (typical on 60% bonded foil cable). Installation requires

one-step 1/4” - 1/4” cable preparation and standard compression tool. Quad-sealed system prevents

moisture migration. Incorporates a Nickel Tin finish plus UV resistant plastic and O-rings to

provide a reliable, environmentally sealed product. Superb return loss performance of -30 dB to 1

GHz. Cable retention exceeds 40 lb. minimum as specified by the SCTE. Snap-N-Seal®

connectors

cannot be properly crimped using standard pliers. A special Snap-N-Seal®

crimper (DXE-SNS-

CT1) must be used to ensure reliable, weatherproof crimps.

Snap-N-Seal®

connectors Physical Properties:

• Nut, Post and Collar: Brass

• Nut and Collar Finish: Nickel Tin

• Post Finish: Tin Plated

• O-Rings: Ethylene Propylene electrical Properties

• Return Loss: ≥-30 dB up to 1 GHz Typical

• Insertion Loss: ≤-0.18 dB up to 1 GHz Typical

• RFI Shielding: -90 dB Typical (60% Bonded Foil) Mechanical Properties

• Cable Retention: 40 lbs min. Complies to SCTE IPS-SP-401

• Cable Insertion Force: <20 lbs environmental properties

• Temperature Rating: -40°F (-40°C) to 140°F (60°C)

• Moisture Migration: Passes ANSI/SCTE 60 2004

Dielectric Grease is recommended to be used on F6 Connectors exposed to the outside environment.

DX Engineering offers two types of dielectric grease:

TES-22058 - Permatex Dielectric Grease and LCT-37534 - Loctite Dielectric Grease

Dielectric grease may be used in RF connectors to prevent moisture ingress. Feedlines and

connectors will last longer, providing peak performance for many more years with the use of

dielectric grease on the threads of RF connectors.

Preventing the effects of moisture is critical in RF feedline connections. Untreated connector

threads will oxidize, corrode and seize more quickly if water vapor can enter and collect inside RF

connectors. Ultimately, moisture will enter the coaxial cable, promoting contamination and

corrosion, resulting in elevated noise levels and increased signal loss.

Dielectric Grease, placed into the air space of RF connectors and their threads, will stop the adverse

effects of water vapor and water ingress. Avoiding direct application on mating surfaces of

connector center pins, dielectric grease is safe to use in the air spaces and threads of RF connectors.

- 4 -

Preparing F6 Coaxial Cable and Installing a Snap-N-Seal® Connector

Tools required:

CNL-911 Cable Cutter

DXE-SNS-CT1 Snap-N-Seal®

Compression Tool

DXE-CPT-659 F6 Coax Stripping Tool

DXE-UT-SNS6-25 Snap-N-Seal®

Connectors

A. Use the CNL-911 to cut the coaxial cable. The CNL-911 cutters make a clean cut unlike regular

diagonal cutters.

B. Using the DXE-CPT-659 Cable Stripper,

press the tool to open, place the end of the

F6 coaxial cable in the tool. The end of

the coaxial cable will rest against the

built-in cable stop on the tool.

Release the tool so it grips the coaxial

cable.

- 5 -

C. Rotate the tool around the cable until the cutting action is

complete. You will feel the stripper cutting the jacket and center

insulation. When the cutting is complete, the tool will spin a bit

free.

D. Squeeze the tool to remove the coaxial cable. There will be 2 cuts made giving you two 1/4”

cuts as shown below. Pull the cut parts off of the coaxial cable.

E. Fold the shield back onto the outer jacket.

F. Insert the prepared Coaxial Cable fully into the Snap-N-Seal® F Connector as shown. Ensure

the center conductor is slightly sticking out the end is as shown.

- 6 -

G. Place the Snap-N-Seal® connector with coaxial cable into the DXE-SNS-CT1 Compression

tool as shown.

H. Fully squeeze the DXE-SNS-CT1 Compression Tool handles together to completely compress

the Snap-N-Seal® connector as shown.

I. Remove completed coaxial cable assembly from DXE-SNS-CT1 Compression Tool.

- 7 -

Using the DXE-CIT-1 F Connector Tightening Tool

The DXE-CIT-1 F Connector Tightening Tool makes putting on or taking off F Connector real

easy. Especially if the connectors are located close to each other. Not only can these be used for

Amateur Radio, but they work just fine on Cable TV lines, TV’s, DVR’s and anything that uses F

Connectors.

Insert the coaxial cable with the F Connector in the slotted side of the DXE-CIT-1 Tightening tool.

Seat the connector in the tool. Place the connector on the unit and screw in the F-Connector clock-

wise using the tool until the connector is tight. Remove the tool from the coaxial cable connector.

Reverse the process to remove an F Connector from your unit.

- 8 -

Weatherproofing

Over the years many different methods have been used to weatherproof coaxial cable connections.

Some worked, some did not. Once water or condensation enters your coaxial cable, it will ruin the

coaxial cable or worse yet, cause shorting or high SWR conditions which could lead to permanent

damage to your transmitter.

One type of coaxial connector sealing material is a gummy tar like substance that you wrap around

the coaxial connector. This gummy substance works pretty good, except when you try to remove it

for maintenance or coaxial cable replacement, it can cause further problems. The gummy substance

just doesn't come off cleanly and small bits of it may remain in the threads of F Connectors, PL-

259's or SO-239's. These small bits of material are mini-insulators, and could cause intermittent

operation.

The method described here uses a combination of two types of tape which not only protect your

coaxial connection, but also allow easy removal for future maintenance.

Additionally, the coaxial cable and connectors should be clean and free of any moisture, dirt or

other residues.

The only tool you will need for this procedure is a pair of scissors. The following example shows an

F Connector being weatherproofed on a unit that will be used outdoors.

Note: The use of tape weatherproofing F Connectors that are outdoors and exposed to the

elements is up to the user. If Dielectric Grease is used, some people say this is enough

protection. Look at your cable TV installation - chances are there is no weatherproofing tape.

Others may want to go the extra steps for their own piece of mind.

A. Cut a piece of TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber

Splicing Tape long enough to complete the job you are doing.

If the length you cut is too short, that's okay. You can add more

where needed and it will not compromise the weatherproofing.

In this example a 4" length of the TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™

2155 Rubber Splicing Tape was used to weatherproof the F

Connector that is installed on a unit

B. The TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape

has a protective backing material so the tape will not stick to

itself when on the roll. As shown below, peel this protective

backing off of the length that you cut from the roll.

- 9 -

C. Starting at the end nearest the unit, hold the end of the

cut length of TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber

Splicing Tape in place and stretch it out until the width

of the tape is about 50%.

D. While keeping the TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155

Rubber Splicing Tape stretched, wrap the tape around

the assembly and overlap the previous wrap by about

50%. Keep going until the complete assembly is

covered, and go an extra 1/2 to 1 inch beyond. Stretch

while overlapping wraps.

If the length you cut is too short for the entire assembly,

that's okay. You can add more starting where the one

piece ended (overlap it) and then continue on in the

same manner described above.

This completes the first layer wrap. TES-2155 - 3M

Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape requires an

added wrap of TES-06132 - Scotch® Super 33+ tape for

UV protection.

E. Starting about one inch before the previously installed 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing

Tape start a wrap of the TES-06132 - Scotch®

Super 33+ tape. While wrapping, over lap the

previous wrap by about 50%. Use firm pressure while wrapping to ensure the tape is on flat and

there are no wrinkles or open spots.

Keep wrapping the Scotch®

Super 33+ tape until you are about an

inch past the end of the previously

installed 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber

Splicing Tape. Use the scissors to cut

the tape rather than stretching and

breaking the tape.

Using these quality products and this method, the completed weatherproofing will be complete

and reliable.

- 10 -

On-Line Instructional Videos

DX Engineering has a number of instructional videos that you can view on-line that show products

used in this guide as well as other informative videos.

You can view the videos at the DX Engineering website in the Technical Support section at this

link:

http://www.dxengineering.com/techarticles/miscinfo/dx-engineering-videos

In the Technical Support section of the DX Engineering website you’ll find the following videos

that will help you to better understand the use of the tools described in this guide:

DXE-UT-KITF - F-Connector Tool Kit

Weatherproofing Coaxial Connectors

F Connector Tool Kit, Tools, Supplies and F6 Coaxial Cable available

from DX Engineering

DXE-UT-KITF - DX Engineering F-Connector Coaxial Cable Tool Kit This cost-saving DX Engineering F-Connector Coaxial Cable Tool Kit provides a handsome,

convenient carrying case furnished with the most-used DX Engineering coaxial cable prep tools

and accessories for F6 coaxial cable. It features a rugged, lockable enclosure that is fitted with a

precut foam insert with a home for each tool. Not only is this DX Engineering F-Connector

Coaxial cable Tool Kit perfect for helping you keep track of your tools, but it also makes them

easy for you to carry from job to job.

Kit includes:

Stripping tool for F6 size cable

Stripping tool replacement blades

25 - Snap-N-Seal® watertight F-connectors for F6 coaxial cable

SNS connector compression tool for Snap-N-Seal® connectors

Coaxial cable shears

F-connector tightening tool

DXE-F6-CASE - DX Engineering F6 Cable Tool Case The DX Engineering F6 Cable Prep Tool Case keeps your 75 ohm F6 coaxial cable prep tools in

one secure place. This rugged, lockable case is lined with a precut foam insert to provide a home

for each tool. Keep your tools together, protected, and out of sight with the DX Engineering F6

Cable Prep Tool Case. It also makes it easy for you to carry the tools from job to job.

CNL-911 - Coaxial cable Cutter High quality CHANNELLOCK® cable cutters with blades designed to cut coaxial cable cleanly. The

cut end of the cable is cleanly cut - ready for stripping and connector assembly.

- 11 -

DXE-SNS-CT1 - DX Engineering Snap-N-Seal® Compression Tool

The DX Engineering Snap-N-Seal® Connector Compression Tool does what ordinary pliers can't. This

ratchet compression tool installs your Snap-N-Seal® watertight connectors quickly and properly.

DXE-CPT-659 - DX Engineering CPT-659 Coaxial Cable Strippers DX Engineering CPT-659 Coaxial Cable Strippers are designed to prepare and strip CATV F6, RG-6, and

RG-59 coaxial cable. They are used preparing F6 coaxial cable for the installation of an F-Connector. Just

place the coaxial cable end into them and rotate around the cable until the cutting action is complete.

Their one-step cutting motion delivers a precision 1/4” - 1/4” cuts and will not nick, damage, or scratch

the conductor. Also included is one replacement blade.

DXE-CPT-659RB - DX Engineering Replacement Coaxial Cable Stripper Blades Is your coaxial cable stripper blade getting a little dull? Maybe it's time to get some DX Engineering

replacement coaxial cable stripper blades. These replacement coaxial cable stripper blades will bring your

DXE-CPT-659 cable prep tool back to peak performance.

DXE-CIT-1 - DX Engineering F-Connector Tightening Tool The DX Engineering F-Connector Tightening Tool makes easy work of reaching, loosening and tightening

your Type F coaxial connectors. With this tightening tool, you can install and remove F-connectors in tight

and hard-to-reach locations with minimal force, where regular wrenches won't fit. A "must-have" item for

CATV and satellite installers, it offers enough leverage to achieve a 30 in./lbs. of tightening force by hand

for better connections with less potential for problems. It also works with the coax curved in limited space

installations.

DXE-SNS6-25 - DX Engineering Watertight Snap-N-Seal® Coaxial Connectors - 25 per package

The DX Engineering DXE-SNS6-25 Watertight Snap-N-Seal® Coaxial Connectors are environmentally

sealed CATV F-Type coaxial cable connectors built and designed for harsh environments. They have a

unique 360 degree radial compression system that offers the signal leakage protection required for high

performance receive systems.

LCT-37534 - Loctite Dielectric Grease - 0.33 ounce

PTX-22058 - Permatex Dielectric Grease - 3 ounce Loctite and Permatex Dielectric Grease may be used in RF connectors to prevent moisture ingress. Feedlines and

connectors will last longer, providing peak performance for many more years with the use of

dielectric grease on the threads of RF connectors. Preventing the effects of moisture is critical

in RF feedline connections. Untreated connector threads will oxidize, corrode and seize more

quickly if water vapor can enter and collect inside RF connectors. Ultimately, moisture will

enter the coaxial cable, promoting contamination, resulting in elevated noise levels and

increased signal loss. Loctite or Permatex Dielectric Grease, placed into the air space of RF

connectors and their threads, will stop the adverse effects of water vapor and water ingress.

Avoiding direct application on mating surfaces of connector center pins, dielectric grease is

safe to use in the air spaces and threads of RF connectors.

TES-06132 - Scotch® Super 33+ Vinyl Electrical Tape Scotch® Super 33+ is highly conformable and super stretchy in all weather applications. This tape provides

flexibility and easy handling for all around performance. It combines PVC backing with excellent electrical

insulating properties to provide primary electrical insulation for splices up to 600V and protective jacketing.

Recommended as a protective overwrap for TES-2155 rubber splicing tape in RF connector

weatherproofing.

TES-2155 - Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape is a conformable self-fusing rubber electrical insulating tape. It is

designed for low voltage electrical insulating and moisture sealing applications. For outdoor use, it should be

protected from UV deterioration with an overwrap of TES-06132 Vinyl Electrical Tape.

- 12 -

DXE-F6-1000 - DX Engineering F6 75-ohm Bulk Coaxial Cable - 1000 ft Spool

DXE-F6-CTL - DX Engineering F6 75-ohm Bulk Coaxial Cable - sold by the foot For your receive system, we recommend using our high-quality 75 ohm "flooded" F6-type coaxial cable. Flooded-style

feedlines have the distinct advantage of automatically sealing small incidental cuts or lacerations on the jacket. Flooding

also prevents shield contamination and allows the coax to be direct-buried. This low-loss cable features dual shields and

an 85 percent velocity factor. It has a waterproof polyethylene jacket and is perfectly suited for direct bury, in conduit or

above ground applications.

Guide Updates

Every effort is made to supply the latest guide revision. Occasionally a guide will be updated

between the time your DX Engineering product is shipped and when you receive it. Please check

the DX Engineering web site (http://www.dxengineering.com) for the latest revision guide.

Technical Support

If you have questions about this product, or if you experience difficulties during the installation,

contact DX Engineering at (330) 572-3200. You can also e-mail us at:

DXEngineering@DXEngineering.com

For best service, please take a few minutes to review this guide before you call.

Warranty All products manufactured by DX Engineering are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from

date of shipment. DX Engineering’s sole obligation under these warranties shall be to issue credit, repair or replace any item or part thereof which is

proved to be other than as warranted; no allowance shall be made for any labor charges of Buyer for replacement of parts, adjustment or repairs, or

any other work, unless such charges are authorized in advance by DX Engineering. If DX Engineering’s products are claimed to be defective in

material or workmanship, DX Engineering shall, upon prompt notice thereof, issue shipping instructions for return to DX Engineering (transportation-

charges prepaid by Buyer). Every such claim for breach of these warranties shall be deemed to be waived by Buyer unless made in writing. The above

warranties shall not extend to any products or parts thereof which have been subjected to any misuse or neglect, damaged by accident, rendered

defective by reason of improper installation, damaged from severe weather including floods, or abnormal environmental conditions such as prolonged

exposure to corrosives or power surges, or by the performance of repairs or alterations outside of our plant, and shall not apply to any goods or parts

thereof furnished by Buyer or acquired from others at Buyer’s specifications. In addition, DX Engineering’s warranties do not extend to other

equipment and parts manufactured by others except to the extent of the original manufacturer’s warranty to DX Engineering. The obligations under

the foregoing warranties are limited to the precise terms thereof. These warranties provide exclusive remedies, expressly in lieu of all other remedies

including claims for special or consequential damages. SELLER NEITHER MAKES NOR ASSUMES ANY OTHER WARRANTY

WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, STATUTORY, OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND

FITNESS, AND NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO ASSUME FOR DX ENGINEERING ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY NOT STRICTLY

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING.

©DX Engineering 2017

DX Engineering®, DXE®, DX Engineering, Inc.®, Hot Rodz®, Maxi-Core®, DX Engineering THUNDERBOLT®, DX Engineering Yagi

Mechanical®, EZ-BUILD®, TELREX®, Gorilla Grip® Stainless Steel Boom Clamps, Butternut®, SkyHawk™, SkyLark™, SecureMount™,

OMNI-TILT™, RF-PRO-1B®, AFHD-4® are trademarks of PDS Electronics, Inc. No license to use or reproduce any of these trademarks or other

trademarks is given or implied. All other brands and product names are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications subject to change without notice.