SMB connectors, cable and crimping tool suitable for HP863E cable repair.

[djsb]

Can anyone recommend any SMB connectors, matching cable and a suitable crimping tool that can be used to repair a few internal cables on an HP/Agilent HP8563E spectrum analyser? I do not have any experience working with these cables, and I will only need to repair maybe one or two at the most. I may get the cables made up by a specialist if this makes more sense. Is it also a good idea to change the matching PCB mounted connector at the same time? Any suggestions? Thanks.



PS These are definitely right angle SMB connectors but not sure if male or female are needed. The cables (RG174? Not sure) are also in different colours. The instrument is in storage nearby, so I can check tomorrow.

[Harry_22]

Hi David!

It is not a problem for the specialist to repair any internal cable with crimped connectors.
Would you attach the photos to do the diagnosis.

[djsb]

Thanks for your reply.
I've not actually identified a faulty cable yet. I'm making initial enquiries based upon a suggestion made to me by Keysight UK.
Once I've found the culprit (if indeed that IS the problem) I'll post the gory details. Please bear with me. Thanks.

[Kean]

Instead of making them yourself, maybe get some premade ones from Superbat RF.

https://www.rfsupplier.com/c/smb-cable_0303

e.g. straight https://www.rfsupplier.com/smb-plug-to-smb-plug-cable-using-rg174-coax_p6458.html
or right angle https://www.rfsupplier.com/smb-plug-right-angle-to-smb-plug-right-angle-cable-using-rg174-coax_p6490.html

They may not be up to the same original quality/frequency/loss specs, but depending on the problem you are trying to solve they may help prove or disprove a theory reasonably cheaply.

[xrunner]

Can anyone recommend any SMB connectors, matching cable and a suitable crimping tool that can be used to repair a few internal cables on an HP/Agilent HP8563E spectrum analyser? I do not have any experience working with these cables, and I will only need to repair maybe one or two at the most. I may get the cables made up by a specialist if this makes more sense. Is it also a good idea to change the matching PCB mounted connector at the same time? Any suggestions? Thanks.



PS These are definitely right angle SMB connectors but not sure if male or female are needed. The cables (RG174? Not sure) are also in different colours. The instrument is in storage nearby, so I can check tomorrow.

It's not too difficult. I made a pair for an hp 54501A scope. See the pics. Yea I used RG174 and a crimping tool that you can get various dies for you just get the die size and put it in the general purpose crimper. FYI the damaged BNC was a before pic.