Thursday, January 31, 2019

Coax Jumper Tester



     This is a Coax Jumper Tester for testing those short lengths of coax cable that we ham radio operators use to connect our equipment such as connecting the radio to the tuner, the radio to a coax switch, the radio to an oscilloscope, etc.  Testing with a multi-meter can be difficult because the alligator clips on the test leads tend to fall off very easily and they don't provide a solid connection.  This tester eliminates that problem and gives you a more complete test.
     Operating this unit is quite simple.  Take the coax jumper that you want to test and screw the coax connectors to each of the two connectors on the front of the box.  Connect the red/black zip cord to a 12 VDC power source.  First, flip the power switch on, then flip the test switch to the UP position.  This tests the center conductor for continuity.  While this part of the coax is under test, wiggle the coax to see if the indicator light blinks or flickers.  If it does, then you have a bad solder connection.  If the light remains solidly on, then your solder connection is good.  Now flip the test switch to the DOWN position.  Again, wiggle the coax around and see if the indicator light flickers or blinks.  If the light flickers or blinks, the solder connection is bad.  You will have to repair the bad solder connection on the jumper then test it again.
     Here is the list of components:

2    SO-239 chassis-mount coax connectors
1    DPDT toggle switch
1    SPST toggle switch
2    12 VDC incandescent pilot lamps (You can use LEDs if you like.)
1     Fuse holder
1     3-amp glass tube fuse
1     6 x 4 x 2" plastic project box
3 ft.  #18 red/black zip cord (You can make the cord as long as you need.)
5     6-32 x 1/2" Philips head screws
5     6-32 nuts
Various lengths of #18 hook-up wire
4     red fork terminals


     This blogger does not accept PDF files, so I had to take a photo of the schematic in order to get it posted. 
     Your comments and suggestions are welcome.

73,

John Gercken, AA9UF

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