Broadband Tech → General Questions > Stripping Commscope 2312 1/2 Plenum Trunk

Stripping Commscope 2312 1/2 Plenum Trunk

Well this topic was about how to strip this cable. But I've now found this tool but for $60

»www.specialized.net/Specialized/···765.aspx

So my question now is what situations do you see this kind of coax used? More on the carrier distribution end or installer side in larger buildings? I take it this would be far beyond RG11?

Yeah, that's a coring tool, used to essentially put an end on the cable. .500 hardline is used for smaller distribution, usually not trunk. Trunk cables are typically .875 or 1.00 but obviously intended run distance will dictate the size used (no need in running 1" cable if .875 or .625 has acceptable losses). The diameter, .500 in this case refers to the nominal OD of the cable itself. The center conductor is much smaller, typically about .142". RG11 on the other hand is .064 so yeah it's far beyond that.

Would you find 500 often in large scale RF distro in buildings? How often do you think it'd be seen outside of working for the cable co? I'm just starting to see it more often. Wondering what tools it's worth investing in.

It probably would be used in large building distributions. Not usually apartments as they usually run standard RG59/6/11 to the apartments. Honestly it's best to ask whoever you'd be working for what cable sizes they typically use. There's no need in buying a .320 or a 1" tool if the cable company never uses them. If you're buying them to become a contractor/sub then I'd probably suggest having them all "just in case".

I take care of the needs of multiple Live Venues, Theaters, Local Access Stations, etc... so this is for my own work not subcontracting out to anyone like Comcast or getting into the install business of doing RF Distro for lots of businesses. Just venues that I work with already. Some are on the larger end though so I won't be dealing with trunk or feeder down poles. However I do deal with larger venues that have multiple wings or buildings or lots of taps.
--
Edrick Smith
Independent Film & Broadcast Producer
»edricksmith.com