• For use with OneExpert CATV Series Meters.

What's included

• (2) ONX-CATV Aluminum F-81 Collar
• (2) F-81 Barrel connector

Reason for RF Port Aluminum Collars and F-81 considerations
Since early 2017 all ONX models are built with aluminum collars around the RF port F-81
barrel-connectors. These collars were added to provide additional mechanical protection from
lateral forces which could break the F connector and/or the RF port on the ONX. These collars work
by reinforcing the base of the connector and help distribute forces over a bigger area. The height
of the collar accommodates the F-81 barrel- connector that was originally shipped with the ONX, but
has some margin to accommodate other, similarly sized and rated, F-81 barrel-connectors. It is
important to ensure that ONX RF port F-81 barrel-connector replacements have enough length to pass
through the aluminum collar and screw in far enough to close any gaps. Seating the connector
properly into the ONX RF port prevents off-air signals from leaking around the F-81 barrel-connector. Also, the F-81 barrel-connector used should not be so long that when tightened it
leaves a loose collar. The reinforcing strength provided by the collar requires the collar to be
firmly held in place by the F-81 barrel-connector inserted into the ONX’s RF ports. A loose collar
will not properly strengthen the F-81 barrel-connector, making it more susceptible to breaking when stressed.

ONX-CATV's RF port aluminum collars           RF ports with collars between the F-81 barrel- connectors and ONX body

F-81 barrel-connectors come in many different forms based on their intended application. The ONX
uses an F-81 splice style F connector, like the one shown above on the far-left. It is recommended
that replacement F connectors be of similar length to minimize any negative impacts.

Replacing the F Connector
Start by removing the current F-81 adapter and collar (if present). If needed use a 7/16 wrench, turn the F connector counterclockwise until the adapter is completely out of the ONX RF port. Retain the collars if not replacing them with new ones.
Place the new F-81 adapter through the collar and screw the adapter into the ONX RF Port by turning clockwise. Make sure the collar is between the ONX and the F connector nut, as shown in the picture below. Tightening the F-81 adapter into the RF port to the torque specification of 20 in-lbs (1.6 ft-lbs) is recommended, which is about hand tight plus another quarter turn.

WARNING: Do NOT overtighten the F-81 adapter into the ONX’s RF port, this can lead to permanently broken RF ports. Also, it is not recommended to use power tools when removing or replacing the F-81 adapters.