VIDEO
Getting coax cable from your garden into your home can often turn into a bit of a headache. You might think about using a drill to create a hole through a brick wall, but that’s not always practical. Perhaps you're renting a property and can't drill, or maybe you're on holiday in a lovely cottage where the only way to get the coax cable inside is through a window. This can lead to drafts, rain, and other inconveniences. Luckily, there's a solution that can make this process a lot easier: the Comet CTC-50M.
What is the Comet CTC-50M?
The Comet CTC-50M is a specially designed coax lead that allows you to pass coax through a window or door without the need for drilling. Measuring 50 cm in length, this product is particularly useful in situations where traditional methods for running coaxial cables aren't feasible. At the heart of the CTC-50M is a strong yet pliable plastic strip that houses a length of 50-ohm coax cable. The thickness of this strip is just 2.5 mm, making it slim enough to fit through tight spaces while still maintaining durability.
Power Handling and Specifications
One of the standout features of the CTC-50M is its ability to handle up to 100 Watts of power. This makes it a reliable option for portable operations or setups where you need to get on the air quickly. Each end of the CTC-50M is equipped with a solid plastic mold housing an SO239 connector, which is a standard thread used in many ham radio setups. This ensures that connecting your coax cable is a straightforward process.
Loss and Performance
When it comes to performance, I wanted to put the CTC-50M to the test. Using a Bird through-line power meter, I set my transceiver to output around 20 watts. I measured the power on either side of the CTC-50M and noticed a minuscule power loss—just a fraction of a watt. This is particularly impressive when operating at 29 MHz. While I couldn't test frequencies above this, the manufacturer's specifications state that the CTC-50M is rated from DC to 1300 MHz with varying power limitations depending on the frequency range.
- DC to 50 MHz: 100 Watts
- 2 Meters: 60 Watts for FM
- 70 Centimeters: 40 Watts
For frequencies below 500 MHz, the loss is rated at less than 0.5 dB, which is quite reasonable. As you move to higher frequencies, the loss increases slightly, but for most amateur radio applications, this should not pose a significant issue.
Practical Testing: Window and Door Use
Now, let’s see how the CTC-50M performs in real-world scenarios. I tested it by passing the coax through a tight window. To my surprise, it fit perfectly, allowing the window to close completely without any obstruction. I even tried it on a fanlight, which also proved to be a snug fit. The cable remained smooth with no damage after passing through these openings, demonstrating that it can withstand the rigors of tight spaces.
Image: Real world Scenario
Accessories Included
The CTC-50M comes with a few handy accessories. Inside the package, you will find:
- Four screws
- Two caps for the coax sockets
- Adhesive pads for securing the unit to the window frame
Image - Accessories
The adhesive pads are particularly useful for semi-permanent installations, as they provide a strong hold without the need for drilling. The caps are threaded, making them easy to screw on and off, which is a nice touch compared to many similar products that use press-on caps.
Why Choose the CTC-50M?
If you’re looking for a solution to run coax from inside to outside without drilling, the Comet CTC-50M is an excellent choice. It’s not earth-shattering technology, but it effectively fills a gap that many ham radio operators encounter. Whether you’re on holiday or in a temporary location, this device allows you to maintain your radio operations without the hassle of damaging property or violating rental agreements.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Comet CTC-50M is a practical and straightforward solution for coax cable challenges. It’s reliable, easy to use, and performs well across a range of frequencies. If you’re in the market for a way to get your coax cable through windows or doors, this little unit is worth considering. Many users will find it a valuable addition to their ham radio toolkit.
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Happy operating, and I look forward to seeing you in the next post!
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