Before Installation
Note: Simplify 7/8" cable installation by attaching the appropriate jumper to the antenna before raising the antenna. Hand-tighten the connection. Fill the voids in UHF connectors with silicone grease -- never use silicone grease inside N connectors. Then weatherproof the connection by tightly wrapping seveal layers of vinyl tape around the connection and at least two inches beyond each end.
When hoisting cables over 300 feet long, retie the cable to the hoist rope every 50 feet. Tie the rope to the cable at least one foot below the connector -- do not tie it to the connector. Use a tight slip knot or sling to prevent the rope from sliding against the connector during hoisting. Distribute the load by looping the rope several times around the cable along several feet.
Hoist the cable high enough for easy connection to the jumper cable. Anchor the top portion of the cable to the tower, leaving enough slack to prevent strain on the connection. Bend or form the cable end to align it for connection to the jumper.
Connect the 7/8" cable to the jumper previously attached to the antenna.
Use silicone grease to fill the voids in UHF connectors, but never use silicone grease inside type N connectors. Hand-tighten the connection and weatherproof it by applying several layers of vinyl tape. Wrap the tape tightly around the connector and continue at least two inches beyond both ends of the connection.
Start as close to the antenna connection as possible and wrap the tie wires around the cable and tower leg. Make as many turns as possible. Then twist the ends together at least five times. Space the first two or three wires at the top about one foot apart and three feet apart thereafter. Avoid making sharp bends in the cable; do not bend it beyond the minimum bending radius of ten times the cable diameter.
Note: If it is more convenient for your particular station, attach the tie wires to the cable while it is still on the ground. Space them at three-foot intervals and use a couple of twists to hold them in place during hoisting. This will save handling and measuring along the tower.
Exposed horizontal runs must be protected from the weight of accumulated ice and damage from falling ice or other objects. The cable jacketing eliminates the effects of glavanic and corrosive action, which allows its use in salt air, in the earth, or under water. Buried cable should be below the frost line for a given area and at least three feet deep to protect it from damage by heavy vehicles. Four-inch layers of sand under and over the buried cable are usually enough to protect the jacket from stones or other sharp objects.
