I wasn't going to reply on the coax connector issue, but how I know that Amphenol UHF connectors are best is from 15-years of commercial use in Marine Electronics. They solder better and do not fail like cheaper manufacturer's. We tried saving some money using RS connectors in the beginning and had some many problems that I made the decision to specify Amphenol brand 100% for UHF and N-type.
You do not want coax failures when you need to call the USCG for assistance because your boat is sinking or on fire. So I have not done lab measurements, etc. Only tested them in a demanding environment over a long time period. For an alternative I use RF Parts connectors for special coax types or unusual adapters. My 2m eme array uses 20 N-male RF Parts connectors for Time LMR-400 coax (larger dia. than RG-213). They have been in service on the tower since 1998. I had one bad SWR but that was the result of improper assembly. The connector works good after reassembly. Answer to tower climbing question: I climb my towers for free. The Tower service we hired at work charged $120/hour. I am happy that I can still climb but know the years that I can continue are limited. Another reason to not take shortcuts on cables and connectors. 73, Ed - KL7UW ------------------------------ Message: 36 Date: Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:59:22 -0700 From: Jim Brown <j...@audiosystemsgroup.com> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Intermittently loses gain Yes, Amphenol is more expensive than cheap junk. How much does it cost to get someone to climb a tower? How much do you spend to go on a DXpedition? How much time do you lose chasing intermittent problems? How would you KNOW if they are any good or not? Have you cut one open to see what it looks like? Have you done any serious power tests? Have you done serious loss or reflection measurements? Have you put stress on them to break them mechanically? I used them in my station and nothing blew up (yet)? That isn't a real test, it's luck. 73, Jim K9YC 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 ====================================== BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-800*w, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com ====================================== *temp not in service ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
