External seizure mechanism for RF node connector

A device for exerting a force within a node housing comprising:

• means for producing a force;
• means for containing the force producing means;
• extensible means for translating force produced by the force-producing means outward from the containing means;
• means for preventing expulsion of the translating means from the containing means due to force from the force-producing means;
• and
• means for securing the device to the housing such that the translating means provides force in a predetermined direction at a predetermined location within the housing.

A method for electrically connecting a stinger into a network node comprising:

• locating an RF interface device on a printed circuit board such that the interface device extends through an amplifier chassis at a predetermined location, the interface device having a nail head for making electrical contact with a center conductor of a stinger at the extent of the interface device;
• installing the amplifier within a node housing such that the nail head is located at a predetermined location within the housing;
• installing the stinger into a predetermined opening in the housing such that the center conductor is proximate the nail head;
• and
• installing into the housing at a predetermined location a force exerting device such that the center conductor is forcibly brought into electrical contact with the nail head.