While it's true that PL-259 connectors, often called "UHF" connectors, do not show an impedance of exactly 50 ohms, it's important for those who might be lurking here to know that the impedance bump they produce is not important below 100 MHz or so. On equipment where they are commonly used, such as the K2/100 or an ATU, the impedance of the wiring inside the rig to the connector is likely farther from "50 ohms" than the impedance of the connector.
These connectors were designed by Amphenol in the 1930's for "UHF" use. Back then "UHF" was anything above 10 meters: 30 MHz. The regulated radio spectrum ended at 300 MHz back then. The PL259's continued to be used in commercial applications up in the 200 and 300 MHz range well into the 1960's, and I've seen them used on commercial equipment up into the 100+ MHz range in recent years. So, in terms of impedance matching, there's no reason to consider the "UHF" connector inferior to any newer types for the HF bands, and even through 6 meters at least. Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- They're fine connectors, but I don't see any advantage to using them on your K2. Their most useful feature is that they're constant impedance 50 ohm devices, as are the BNC's used on your K2. The PL-259 series is not 50 ohms. Trivia: There -ARE- 72 ohm Type "N"''s, but they're not common.. There are many devices for which Type N's are an absolute must, such as VHF and UHF power dividers, but a K2 isn't one of these. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
