APPENDIX A
CARE AND HANDLING OF MICROWAVE COAXIAL ASSEMBLIES
Never pinch, crush or drop objects on cable assemblies. Also, do not drag a cable over sharp
edges as this will pinch it and cause it to exceed the minimum bend radius.
Never use a cable assembly to pull a piece of equipment. Cables and connectors are not
designed to support or move equipment.
SECURING CABLES
Use toothed, rubber-lined "P-clamps" to hold cables in place. If it is necessary to use tie-
wraps, use the widest possible wrap and the lowest setting on the gun to ensure the minimum
pressure on the cable.
STORING CABLES
When storing cables, minimize cable "set" by coiling them in large diameters (lor 2 feet).
Unroll the cable properly when it is ready to be used; do not pull the loops out hastily.
Similarly, re-roll them when storing them away again.
CLEANING CONNECTOR INTERFACES
Use the following guidelines in cleaning connector interfaces:
A. Do not use chlorinated solvents including common tap water. These solvents are
extremely penetrating and sometimes ruin otherwise good devices and assemblies.
B. Moisten a cotton swab with isopropyi alcohol. Roll the swab on a paper towel to
remove excess.
C. Use the moistened cotton swab to wipe away debris. Do not try to dissolve the debris
by overwetting the swab.
D. Repeat the cleaning process using additional swabs as necessary. If metallic parti
cles are embedded in the dielectric, use an eyeglass and a sharp pick in an attempt
to dislodge them. Swab again.
E. When satisfied that the interfaces are clean, blow them dry with dry compressed air,
or preferably dry nitrogen (pressurized spray cans work well). Do not use breath.
F. Clean the mating connectors. These may be the source of debris.
A-6
