OK, I guess it's about time I asked this. Is there someplace I can find a reference on various connector types (plated or not, type of plating) vs PIM/IMD/noise in duplex systems and/or in high RF environments? I am looking at replacing my run of LDF5-50A and wonder what type of connectors I *should* use.
I always *thought* silver plated connectors were the way to go. But it is obvious none of the connectors on my DB4062B duplexer are silver plated. They are silver in color but they do not tarnish at all after many years... clearly not silver. I've also noticed on this Sinclair dipole array that I had problems with, the 3 x N(f) tees are silver plated but the mating N(m) connectors on the harness are not. Brass, silver, gold, tri-metal (?)... help! What are the accepted "rules" for connector choice for duplex systems and/or in high RF environments, and why? What about mating connectors with different plating? If a repeater is in a very low RF environment, does it even matter? Thanks! Paul N1BUG
