Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
> Question... has anyone ever heard of or used pure > silicone grease in coax connectors to protect against > moisture and corrosion? I have been using it for many years with no problems. The longest undisturbed SO235/PL259 joint was 11 years at the top of a 60' tower and when opened it was as clean and bright as when it was put up. I usually pack the hole in the SO235 and when the plug is inserted it pushes/spreads the grease round the rest of the socket interior. 72, Peter Linsley, G3PDL [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.8.8 - Release Date: 14/02/05 ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
In a message dated 15/02/05 21:20:57 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My understanding of the place to place silicon grease is NOT upon the outside of the connector, but rather in the interface between male and female connectors. The idea is to exclude moisture pooling on the insulator between the center pin and the outer shell conductor. -- Silicon grease would only be placed on the inside of the connector, but enevitably some can be squeezed out, making it's way to the outside and in the process is transferred to your hands. Once that happens there is no way in the world that most tape adhesives or self amalgamating/self vulcanising tape would adhere to the connector or even itself for that matter. It only takes an exceeding small amount and seems impossible to remove by normal cleaning. This would be why Don, W3FPR was wisely advising caution on the amount of silicon grease used. With self amalgamating tape one has to be careful as some types are said to be attacked by UV, though did use one brand of it in waterproofing CATV connectors in the UK for a number of years without any problems. Applied the self amalgamating tape directly over the connector, then applied a layer of heavy duty plastic tape over the top for mechanical strength and protection. What one uses depends where you live and what the exposure to UV levels are. What could apply in latitudes further away from the equator would not be applicable in hotter climates. I lived for many years in the Middle East and most types of self amalgamating tape would probably not be usable there due to extremely high levels of UV. Normal plastic tape had a rather short life and such things one would use normally in cooler climates such as polypropylene rope and plastic cable ties failed very quickly. The rope was turned to dust in the space of little more than a year and plastic cable ties went brittle and snapped. Never managed to source carbon loaded cable ties, though nylon T&B Tywraps did last a few more years longer. The only sealant I have seen that seems to stand most situations is the fabric/heavy grease type of tape. This is known commonly as Denso tape in the UK and was pretty well standard on professional telecom installations for external connector sealing. Have seen a similar type used in the Middle East for the same type of installation, so presume it must be resistant to the effects of UV. This tape or a very similar type is also used on small bore natural gas lines for joint sealing and protection, so this could be another source of supply. Rather messy to use, though does give extremely good protection to external connectors over many years. Bob, G3VVT ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
My understanding of the place to place silicon grease is NOT upon the outside of the connector, but rather in the interface between male and female connectors. The idea is to exclude moisture pooling on the insulator between the center pin and the outer shell conductor. However, if you over wrap a coax connector with a good quality electrical vinyl tape, and cut the end, rather than stretching it to break; you can then overwrap with coax seal, Dux Seal, or self amalgamating tape lapped 50 percent, and have a long lasting but recoverable seal. N connectors by their very construction do not typically need the addition of silicone grease. They have adequate fine threads and tight fitting interfaces between plug and receptacle. I prefer NOT to seal with silicone grease to enable inspection of the connectors every year. -Stuart K5KVH ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
Best thing I ever found was Scotch #23 tape (I think no longer being made!) Also very similar #130C works the same. It's a silicone rubber tape that stretches and then self-vulcanizes. Very good stuff, not hard to apply and waterproof. Used to use it in a corrosive marine (seagoing) environment with very good results. Easy to remove with a very sharp knife blade. The sun doesn't seem to bother it. For wrapping very irregular objects, fill in voids with Scotchfil putty. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: "S55M" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 1:20 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] N fittings | Abt water-proofing | | I use only one method: | | 3M - Self-vulcanizing rubber tape (we used it a lot in Telecom). | If You are concerned abt UV cover it with some good electrical tape (I never | did). | | | S55M-Adi | | | | - Original Message - | From: "Tom Arntzen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> | To: | Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 6:54 PM | Subject: Re: [Elecraft] N fittings | | | > I would stay away of any type of silicone because some silicones if | applied | > directly on the coax will harden the | > outer insulation and cause cracks if they are bent. | > Also silicone does not have more than 5 years of ageing before it should | be | > removed and redone. | > The cushcraft boots will eventally go into a chewing gum like state after | a | > couple of years. | > I would recommend a good electrical tape with selfvulcing tape over that | > again. | > | > Tom LA1PHA | > | > - Original Message - | > From: "Bob Nielsen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> | > To: "Elecraft Reflector" | > Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 5:17 PM | > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] N fittings | > | > | > > On Tue, Feb 15, 2005 at 06:32:04AM -0800, Mark Baugh wrote: | > >> I'm learning some good stuff on this subject. | > >> Question... has anyone ever heard of or used pure | > >> silicone grease in coax connectors to protect against | > >> moisture and corrosion? | > | > | > ___ | > 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 | | ___ | 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 | | ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
Abt water-proofing I use only one method: 3M - Self-vulcanizing rubber tape (we used it a lot in Telecom). If You are concerned abt UV cover it with some good electrical tape (I never did). S55M-Adi - Original Message - From: "Tom Arntzen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 6:54 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] N fittings > I would stay away of any type of silicone because some silicones if applied > directly on the coax will harden the > outer insulation and cause cracks if they are bent. > Also silicone does not have more than 5 years of ageing before it should be > removed and redone. > The cushcraft boots will eventally go into a chewing gum like state after a > couple of years. > I would recommend a good electrical tape with selfvulcing tape over that > again. > > Tom LA1PHA > > - Original Message - > From: "Bob Nielsen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "Elecraft Reflector" > Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 5:17 PM > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] N fittings > > > > On Tue, Feb 15, 2005 at 06:32:04AM -0800, Mark Baugh wrote: > >> I'm learning some good stuff on this subject. > >> Question... has anyone ever heard of or used pure > >> silicone grease in coax connectors to protect against > >> moisture and corrosion? > > > ___ > 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 ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
I would stay away of any type of silicone because some silicones if applied directly on the coax will harden the outer insulation and cause cracks if they are bent. Also silicone does not have more than 5 years of ageing before it should be removed and redone. The cushcraft boots will eventally go into a chewing gum like state after a couple of years. I would recommend a good electrical tape with selfvulcing tape over that again. Tom LA1PHA - Original Message - From: "Bob Nielsen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 5:17 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] N fittings On Tue, Feb 15, 2005 at 06:32:04AM -0800, Mark Baugh wrote: I'm learning some good stuff on this subject. Question... has anyone ever heard of or used pure silicone grease in coax connectors to protect against moisture and corrosion? ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
This was done frequently on the theory that things could not occupy the same space at the same time! (silicone grease or water) 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: "Mark Baugh" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 8:32 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] N fittings | I'm learning some good stuff on this subject. | Question... has anyone ever heard of or used pure | silicone grease in coax connectors to protect against | moisture and corrosion? | | = | 73, | Mark Baugh | W5EZY | Grenada MS | | | | __ | Do you Yahoo!? | Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! | http://my.yahoo.com | | | ___ | 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 | | ___ 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
RE: [Elecraft] N fittings
I have not knowingly used silicone grease on coax connectors, but would discourage liberal use of the stuff. Silicone grease has its place, but if I were using it, I would only suggest a little dab on the center conductor. The stuff migrates everywhere and few things will stick to it, so one would have trouble putting any additional tape or coax seal over the top of things. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > > In a message dated 15/02/05 14:33:15 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] > writes: > > Question... has anyone ever heard of or used pure > silicone grease in coax connectors to protect against > moisture and corrosion? > > ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
On Tue, Feb 15, 2005 at 06:32:04AM -0800, Mark Baugh wrote: > I'm learning some good stuff on this subject. > Question... has anyone ever heard of or used pure > silicone grease in coax connectors to protect against > moisture and corrosion? > I recall that Cushcraft supplies a small amount of what I think is silicon grease, along with a vinyl(?) cover to provide protection for the UHF connector. I don't know how well it works over a long timespan (their equivalent of an SO-239 is aluminum, which probably needs more protection than a standard fitting). Bob N7XY ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
Bob, G3VVT wrote: > > Yes, it does work. > > However there is a downside in that the silicon grease prevents most kinds > of tape adhesive sticking to the connector for providing external weather > proofing. The only exeption to this may be the greased fabric tape (Denso tape) > used in waterproofing connectors on comms towers though have never tried with > this. Attempts afterwards to remove excess silicon grease that reaches the > outside of the connector and so allow plastic or self amalgamating rubber tape > to stick were not successful. > Hi Bob, When I have used Vaseline, only because there is usually some in the house, I coat the mating threads and almost fill up the space between the gasket and the cable end of the connector (N type) before inserting the nut. Some goo oozes out which I wipe off. I then cover with Scotch Super 33+ tape, starting the tape "winding" 4 to 6 inches along the cable from the connector. Each turn covers about 3/4 of the previous turn, and I keep going untill 4 to 6 inches along the cable from the other mating connector. I then reverse direction and keep winding back to the starting point. Pretty crude, but the "shell" of tape and any goo in the connector area plus the goo in the connector has so far kept the weather out. I was at one time concerned that any Vaseline that might "short circuit" or disturb the RF path could cause problems, but none have been detected, and no sign of gasket problems. Will be in touch about 4m off-list. 73, Geoff GM4ESD ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
In a message dated 15/02/05 14:33:15 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Question... has anyone ever heard of or used pure silicone grease in coax connectors to protect against moisture and corrosion? - Yes, it does work. However there is a downside in that the silicon grease prevents most kinds of tape adhesive sticking to the connector for providing external weather proofing. The only exeption to this may be the greased fabric tape (Denso tape) used in waterproofing connectors on comms towers though have never tried with this. Attempts afterwards to remove excess silicon grease that reaches the outside of the connector and so allow plastic or self amalgamating rubber tape to stick were not successful. Bob, G3VVT ___ 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
RE: [Elecraft] N fittings
I'm learning some good stuff on this subject. Question... has anyone ever heard of or used pure silicone grease in coax connectors to protect against moisture and corrosion? = 73, Mark Baugh W5EZY Grenada MS __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com ___ 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
RE: [Elecraft] N fittings
Geoff, GM4ESD wrote: Quite agree Vic, which is why I said "unprotected" !! There are a lot of photos around (e.g. ARRL handbooks) that show bare PL-259s. Vaseline under tape does a good job but not as "clean" as your method. Quite right! The key to the success of ANY fitting, including the 259 series, is in keeping them *out* of the weather. With the right materials, that's not hard to do no matter where the connector is used. When I last worked on large ships (in the early 1990's) the 259 series connectors were still very common on HF and many VHF antennas. These connectors were in weather no land-based Ham station ever saw unless it had survived dozens of hurricanes and wind-driven 75 to 100 mph ice storms. In addition to wind, water and ice, the systems were sometimes subjected to corrosive stack gasses. Some antennas are mounted high on the funnel where they'd get bathed in the stuff coming out of the engines as it swirls around in the wind. All I can say is that no one in their right mind ever crawled up there with the engines running without a full breathing system on. When those gasses mix with the moist sea air, they form acids that can eat holes in steel. When the connectors were properly protected, unwrapping them after years in that environment would involve peeling off layers of salt-encrusted, weather-beaten coax seal and tape to reveal connectors as pristine as the day they were installed, even though the reason for taking them apart was often because the coax cable or the antenna itself had disintegrated in the hostile environment. Perhaps some of the other connector types are more forgiving if they find themselves exposed to the elements, but I'd recommend putting one's effort into keeping the connectors "out of the weather" by proper protection before switching to more expensive types. Electrically, there is no reason that I've ever seen documented to avoid the 259 series for work under 50 MHz. I know some RF engineers who don't hesitate to use them in critical applications as high as 200 MHz. The losses in the 259 system are miniscule and the "impedance bump" completely negligible through the HF spectrum at the very least. Ron AC7AC ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings power ????
A properly terminated UHF or N connector can handle a kilowatt. The ratings on the connectors vary by what voltage they can withstand. Also, N connectors have seals for weather proofing. UHF have to be weatherproofed externally, but when done so are perfectly reliable for periods of 15 years or more in the experience of our club station. The cable started weathering in the sun before the UHF connectors showed any wear under the tape and sealing we had done. 73, Stuart K5KVH ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
Vic Rosenthal wrote: > > Part of correctly installing a PL259 outdoors is waterproofing it! I have used > both coax seal (for those who don't know, a gummy rubber-like substance) and > regular electrical tape coated with "liquid electrical tape", with success. > Quite agree Vic, which is why I said "unprotected" !! There are a lot of photos around (e.g. ARRL handbooks) that show bare PL-259s. Vaseline under tape does a good job but not as "clean" as your method. 73, Geoff. GM4ESD ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
In a message dated 14/02/05 19:51:09 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The good quality N connector (the type with ground flange) is much more reliable and mounted with 25Wtts soldering iron in few minutes . If you wish to spend the money, PL259 are available in pressure sleeve type connectors similar to the better class N and BNC types. Used these on our local VHF repeater duplexer which came as original equipment with SO239/PL259. In the right place the SO239/PL259 combination is entirely adequate up to VHF and most VHF 2 way radios seem to come so equipped. All of the GE 2 way VHF radios and repeaters we used at work certainly did. In addition a great deal of the station accessories on the market come already equipped with SO239 sockets. It would be wrong get the idea that just fitting N type connectors will make you bullet proof as there are some extremely poor N and BNC connectors on the market much as there are of the PL259 type. The N type connector has a limited moisture barrier, though if the connector has to be used outside in a damp climate, an external moisture barrier tape over the entire connector assembly would be essential. Even so for any connectors that have to be used outdoors, the N type connector would be desirable. In the end inside the shack for HF and where moisture should not normally be a problem, it is a matter of using whatever connector you a comfortable with and want to adopt as a standard for your station. Bob, G3VVT ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings power ????
N conn 300Wtts at 1Ghz PL259 500Wtts at 300Mhz But i guess everthing changes with missmatch:( S55M-Adi - Original Message - From: "Bill NY9H" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Elecraft Discussion List" Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 9:43 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] N fittings power > What is the actual power handling capability of an N vs the so239./pl269 ??? > > Is it all related to the heat dissipation of lossy connection ??? > > I just got a nice 6 x 3 matrix switchwith VERY nice N connectors. > So it's either change the connectors , or change the connectors.. >cables to N ...or the box to UHF . > > Just grabbed an Andros N connector , a two piece which looks like it would be > better than my recollections of doing a regular 3 piece N > > But what about when the BIG amp fries uperrr fires up > the connectors.??? UHF or N ?? > > guess it must be for some future Elecraft product; since the KA100 would be > happy with a bnc!!! ( that keeps it on topic) > > bill > > ___ > 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 ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy wrote: Rolf Moberg wrote: N is ofter water tight. Can you find PL-259 which can be put into water for 24 hours? And get adequate return loss measurement results afterwards? Also Rolf, with unprotected PL-259 connectors water / moisture can get into the coax's braid and you don't know that you have a problem for some time. Have used N connectors outside for 40+ years - no problems yet. Part of correctly installing a PL259 outdoors is waterproofing it! I have used both coax seal (for those who don't know, a gummy rubber-like substance) and regular electrical tape coated with "liquid electrical tape", with success. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings power ????
What is the actual power handling capability of an N vs the so239./pl269 ??? Is it all related to the heat dissipation of lossy connection ??? I just got a nice 6 x 3 matrix switchwith VERY nice N connectors. So it's either change the connectors , or change the connectors.. cables to N ...or the box to UHF . Just grabbed an Andros N connector , a two piece which looks like it would be better than my recollections of doing a regular 3 piece N But what about when the BIG amp fries uperrr fires up the connectors.??? UHF or N ?? guess it must be for some future Elecraft product; since the KA100 would be happy with a bnc!!! ( that keeps it on topic) bill ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
Rolf Moberg wrote: > N is ofter water tight. Can you find PL-259 which can be put into water > for 24 hours? And get adequate return loss measurement results afterwards? Also Rolf, with unprotected PL-259 connectors water / moisture can get into the coax's braid and you don't know that you have a problem for some time. Have used N connectors outside for 40+ years - no problems yet. 73, Geoff GM4ESD ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
Hello boys! PL259 is 4 me just low cost junk...(sorry You HAM's inloved in them! BTW i hate BNC also HI HI) Why? It is impossible to fit them in a way that they last.(maybe only for permanent setup.) The good quality N connector (the type with ground flange) is much more reliable and mounted with 25Wtts soldering iron in few minutes . It has nominal impedance across great bandwidth (it is not important for HF) and they are made once forever+thay handle more power than PL259 does! I use them all around from 1.8Mhz up to 3.4Ghz.(upper bands SMA). Never had a problem with them and ,Yes, on the V-UHF Japan made equipment i changed all conn with N-female. Didnt have time to change the output conn on my KPA100 but i plan to.(because all my coax stuff is fitted with N conn's). But that's only my choice. Adi-S55M- K2/3204 - Original Message - From: "Vic Rosenthal" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 6:00 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] N fittings > Bill Coleman wrote: > > > SO-239/PL-259 connectors sure get a bum rap. They have negligible loss > > up to at least 150 MHz, and are relatively low-loss even to 500 MHz. > > I would like to add that they are simpler to install than N connectors, and more > forgiving. No, they aren't waterproof, but neither are poorly installed N's. > They are cheap and rugged. They are absolutely 'appropriate technology' for HF > at amateur power levels. The one tool that you need is a largeish soldering > iron with a tip that has adequate thermal mass. > > -- > 73, > Vic, K2VCO > Fresno CA > http://www.qsl.net/k2vco > > ___ > 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 ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
Bill Coleman wrote: SO-239/PL-259 connectors sure get a bum rap. They have negligible loss up to at least 150 MHz, and are relatively low-loss even to 500 MHz. I would like to add that they are simpler to install than N connectors, and more forgiving. No, they aren't waterproof, but neither are poorly installed N's. They are cheap and rugged. They are absolutely 'appropriate technology' for HF at amateur power levels. The one tool that you need is a largeish soldering iron with a tip that has adequate thermal mass. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
Bill Coleman wrote: N connectors, while constant impedance, have their own problems. Biggest of which is the disconnection of the center conductor when the coaxial cable becomes very cold and shrinks. In Finland N-connectors were used in mobile network antennas in towers for many years. Nowadays 7/16-connectors are taking their place. Temperatures in Finland during winter are sometimes very cold, even lower than -50C. When coaxial cable is shrinking, it is coaxial cables fault. Reason is poor quality cable, not the connector. For the frequency range of the K2/100, there's no reason to move to N connectors, unless you want to spend money. I agree what comes to frequency range. I have measured UHF- or PL259-connector's return loss. They are very good in HF and lower VHF bands. In 430 MHz I wouldn't recommend PL259, even when using super high quality like Spinner. N is ofter water tight. Can you find PL-259 which can be put into water for 24 hours? And get adequate return loss measurement results afterwards? Rolf Moberg oh6kxl ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
On Feb 14, 2005, at 8:09 AM, Steve Jackson wrote: Yes. I also run (nearly) 100% N connectors at my station. On my KPA100 I simply replaced the supplied SO-239 output connectors with N female connectors. They are the same dimensions, mounting holes, etc. SO-239/PL-259 connectors sure get a bum rap. They have negligible loss up to at least 150 MHz, and are relatively low-loss even to 500 MHz. N connectors, while constant impedance, have their own problems. Biggest of which is the disconnection of the center conductor when the coaxial cable becomes very cold and shrinks. For the frequency range of the K2/100, there's no reason to move to N connectors, unless you want to spend money. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ 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
