I have been experiencing a strange problem. A 5.8 backhaul with a signal strength of -60 degrades over about a 30-45 day period until it eventually will not associate, that is signal lower than -90. This backhaul is way out in a rural area and I have a -101 noise floor and clear channels. Replacing the 3 foot LMR-400 jumpers on one end or the other repairs the problem every time. These are good quality jumpers but I am stumped. Someone told me I need to use a 6 foot rather than a 3 foot and put a loop in the LMR, stating that the inner conductor is walking back and forth due to temperature and the loop will keep that from happening. Again, I am stumped. I bring the "bad" jumpers back and sure enough, they have a high loss, typically 10-15 dB but no visible defects. We are in Texas so temperature exteemes at this time of year are not great, +25 to +85 F. Ideas anyone? Tower climbs are getting expensive!

Look at the rubber(?) insulator inside the male connector. Is there a light coating of shiny dust? We've had a problem with plated connectors vs silver. The plated connectors seem to break down with 5.8.

Wow, that would be freaky. We have thought of water, thermal creep, etc.. Thanks for the reply. Any idea what would cause the plating to break down? No problems with any 2.4 gear.

Use Andrew Heliax Jumpers instead of the LMR Crap. It's more money but worth it.

I always cover the connector with 3M self-bonding tape and 3M PVC tape. Is a good RF insulator and prevents oxide and degradation of metal connectors.