Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Thanks everyone for the discussion and thanks Jim for the part number. Now considering the options, but leaning towards just sticking with what I've got, which is mostly 'UHF' on HF and 'N' type on V/UHF. The only BNC are on the 6M preamp and will be on the XV144. Note that legal limit here is 400W and not many of us run that since neighbors are only a few feet away in a lot of cases ;-( - 73 de M0XDF On 25 Apr 2012, at 03:49, Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz wrote: It's a simple homebrew - a square of aluminum (or whatever - even scrap PCB) with a hole for the BNC in the center and two or four holes in the SO239 pattern for mounting. But I don't know that there's a significant loss in using a *quality* SO239-BNC adapter. That's what I do. It's very nice having only ONE type of coaxial connector - a simple twist-lock BNC - especially because I have to tear the setup apart constantly. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Dick Dievendorff wrote: I have that same too busy ACC connector problem with antenna bandpass filter switching, amp, PR-6, and PTT/FSK connection to a microHAM device. I'm using a couple of layers of Y connector, dislike the solution, and I have ideas to resolve that problem somehow. One solution is to build a breakout box to move all of these interconnection problems away from the K3 itself. Since I also wanted to make a shallow base to raise the K3 about 1.5 inches above the table, both of these functions have been combined to make a breakout base on which the K3 stands. A short 15-way cable connects to the ACC socket of the K3, and all of those 15 lines are fanned out to a stripboard patch panel inside the base unit. Another short cable connects the switched 12V output from the K3. All of the input and output signals that would otherwise go to the ACC connector are now routed to individual connectors on the 10in wide rear panel of the breakout base. These currently include FSK input from the PC, PA inhibit from the SteppIR, additional band data outputs and three 12V outputs switched by the K3. This will perpetually be a work in progress, modified to meet current needs. For example, when an SSPA came on the scene, it was very easy to tap into all the necessary control and band data lines, and gather them into a custom umbilical cable. One day I shall complete the front panel of this unit, which currently stands empty. But, like Dick... Unfortunately I have more ideas than time to implement them. -- 73 from Ian GM3SEK http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
I too use all BNC and LMR-240 cables. Great shield on this cable and low loss. Chuck, KE9UW aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] on behalf of Craig Smith [cr...@powersmith.net] Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 11:10 PM To: garyk...@wi.rr.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention It boils down to personal preference, and I like BNCs. UHF seem really large and clunky to me, and I don't like having to unscrew them rather than just a small twist. One factor that other folks might not have is that I run strictly low power and the largest coax I have anywhere in my station is LMR-240 size. So using a large connector seems like overkill to me. I also invested in a good crimp tool and make all my own BNC cables and have yet to have a failure. So to me, there is zero downside to using BNCs. But I appreciate that others may have a different opinion. 73 Craig AC0DS __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
I once bought a non Ampenol right angle UHF adapter which became intermittant. I found a spring inside it making the corner instead of the Amphenol method of two silver plated rods, one screwed into the other at right angles. Chuck, KE9UW aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] on behalf of Jim Brown [j...@audiosystemsgroup.com] Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 10:53 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention On 4/24/2012 8:07 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Below 100 MHz, the UHF connector is perfectly adequate. The notion that PL-259 and mating SO239 connectors are not good at VHF (and even low UHF) because their impedance isn't close enough to 50 ohms is one of those myths that is not based on fact. A few years ago, I spliced together 1,300 ft of Commscope 3227 (like LMR400, but with a solid #10 copper center) that cut into 100 ft lengths for a DX trip. There were a total of about 24 PL-259s and about half that number of barrels, all Amphenols. The loss at 500 MHz measured by substitution using HP test gear, was a dB or so less than the published spec for the cable. What folks seem to miss is that 1) while there may be a SMALL difference in the Zo, the length of the connector is also small as a fraction of a wavelength, and 2) the tendency of loss in ANY transmission line to bring the VSWR back to unity. Both of these factors tend to render any small discontinuity meaningless below 1 GHz or so. What matters FAR more is the QUALITY of the connectors used. Most of the deficiencies blamed on UHF connectors (and on BNC connectors) are the result of the use of no-name JUNK connectors. I use nothing but Amphenols. They cost a bit more, but I've been bitten far too often (and badly) when I've used anything else. Nothing like having a connector fall apart, or melt because it's made of thin metal, or because wide tolerance parts don't mate securely, or a dielectric that melts when you try to solder the connector. And a junk connector that fails 80 ft up in the air can be both difficult to diagnose and VERY costly to replace! 73, Jim K9YC __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
I ran into this issue and if there is a commercial solution available I would love to hear about it. Keith AG6AZ Dick Dievendorff wrote: I have that same too busy ACC connector problem with antenna bandpass filter switching, amp, PR-6, and PTT/FSK connection to a microHAM device. I'm using a couple of layers of Y connector, dislike the solution, and I have ideas to resolve that problem somehow. If anyone has found a commercial solution to this that would be great. I run a Yaesu Quadra with the K3 and the integration with the PR6 and the Quadra is clunky at best into a single ACC port. Keith AG6AZ __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
On 4/25/2012 10:50 AM, Edward R. Cole wrote: Impedance match on low noise preamps is critical NO preamp is going to notice the difference between 1.000 and 1.05. More to the point, I suggest that you MEASURE the input Z of these preamps and find out how close they actually are to their nominal value. I suspect you will find variations on the order of 25% or more. so many hams are moving to use of either N or sma connectors over BNC. I have not seen a UHF on a preamp since the 1960's. Ed, Everything you have cited regarding N-connectors is simply a matter of folks having drunk the Kool-Aid. Just because everyone believes it doesn't make it true, and everyone does it can be a matter of monkey see, monkey do. . Two major reasons for using SMAs and BNCs is that they have a smaller footprint on a panel, which is a big deal with today's more compact equipment. Your comments re: the importance of keeping connectors tight is right on target. Recently I've been hearing that the DIN connectors for hard line are greatly superior, and if I were living in the UHF world and had professional dollars to spend I'd probably use them. 73, Jim K9YC __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention BNC and Bad cables (Morphed)
Not to claim to be some super operator or know it all... This is the safest way to keep track of bad cables. I have a few waiting for new ends. And Don's last paragraph makes great sense. Modified equipment has less value. I want the wife to get all she can out of my equipment when I die while running (not in the shack on my PC and HR). 73, Bill K9YEQ -Original Message- ... I do keep a constant check on the BNC connectors - if the shield escapes the clamp, or the center conductor is pulled back, I discard the cable, or simply cut off the offending cable end so I know to repair it later. For those with more permanent stations, I would highly recommend sticking with theUHF connectors or using UHF to BNC adapters rather than modifying your equipment. Just my humble opinion. 73, Don W3FPR On 4/24/2012 10:37 PM, Craig Smith wrote: I installed the Oak Hills BNC connectors in my K3 during the initial build 5 years ago. Great decision. Much more convenient and allows for rapid cable changes. Everything in my shack and antenna runs has been standardized with BNCs. 73 Craig AC0DS __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Eric, you know the drill. How much? When? From: Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft e...@elecraft.com To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tue, April 24, 2012 1:50:57 PM Subject: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention New KAT500 pictures on our news page: http://www.elecraft.com/news.htm -- Eric --- www.elecraft.com __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Sexy! Mike W0MU W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net On 4/24/2012 12:50 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: New KAT500 pictures on our news page: http://www.elecraft.com/news.htm __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Any plans soon on a legal limit (1.5 KW+) auto tuner that can handle 10:1 SWR? Reading the site, it looks like the KAT500 will the power, but only at 3:1 SWR. - Owner, worldwidedx.com AE6LX, Amateur Radio NNN0ITA, Navy MARS NNN0GAF FOUR, Southern CA Director Assistant for Training, Navy MARS __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Did I see BNC adapters? For THAT much energy? Not in my shack... ;-) It's time to replace the drool pads again... patience patience Rick wa6nhc On 4/24/2012 12:50 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: New KAT500 pictures on our news page: http://www.elecraft.com/news.htm __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Rick, Maybe you need another coffee?...:-) Look pretty much like SO-239's to me Gary On 25 April 2012 06:18, Rick Bates happymooseph...@gmail.com wrote: Did I see BNC adapters? For THAT much energy? Not in my shack... ;-) It's time to replace the drool pads again... patience patience Rick wa6nhc On 4/24/2012 12:50 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: New KAT500 pictures on our news page: http://www.elecraft.com/news.htm __ 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 -- Gary VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile Elecraft Equipment K3 #679, KPA-500 #018 Living the dream!!! __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Look closer, they used BNC to PL-259 adapters. The active antenna (front light) also isn't connected (ant 1 on the rear). I can live with the RG8x cable for under a kilowatt... but BNC above 100 watts on HF? Yes, I'm teasing them, it was a demo to show the box with the pretty lights for the ooh aah effect. I note that the RS-232 (presumably, PC Data) is not a standard connector (DB-9). That's unfortunate. I have a drawer full of 'special' cables already. I'd like to see some enterprising software engineer use the RLC info direct from the K3/KAT500 so we can use them as antenna analyzers (not just SWR, the actual values) automating what we can sort of do manually now. We already have most of what is needed to analyze the antenna, why not put it to use? 73, Rick wa6nhc _ From: Gary Gregory Rick, Maybe you need another coffee?...:-) Look pretty much like SO-239's to me Gary __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Those are PL259 to BNC adapters from what I can see. The BNC's are faster to connect/disconnect. They are very efficient. I don't want to start another long thread, so please email me direct if you have some debate. 73, Bill K9YEQ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rick Bates Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 3:19 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention Did I see BNC adapters? For THAT much energy? Not in my shack... ;-) It's time to replace the drool pads again... patience patience Rick wa6nhc On 4/24/2012 12:50 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: New KAT500 pictures on our news page: http://www.elecraft.com/news.htm __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
http://www.elecraft.com/KAT500/kat500rear_visalia.jpg There are no BNC connectors on the back of the KAT500. The back panel (from left to right) has a heavy screw with wing nut for ground, four SO-239s (ANT3, ANT2, ANT1, XMTR), a 2.1 mm coaxial jack for 12V DC power, two RCA phono jacks for amplifier PTT key line interrupt (you would not normally use these for an Elecraft K3 / KPA500), a 3.5mm TRS jack labeled AH-4 that can be used with ICOM transceivers with a TUNE button and a four-pin Molex tune connector, a 3.5mm TRS jack labeled PC Data that uses a device like the KXUSB USB-to-serial adapter, or the same serial cable that is used for the W2 or XG3), and two 15-pin accessory connectors for connection from K3 to KAT500 to KPA500. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rick Bates Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 1:19 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention Did I see BNC adapters? For THAT much energy? Not in my shack... ;-) It's time to replace the drool pads again... patience patience Rick wa6nhc On 4/24/2012 12:50 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: New KAT500 pictures on our news page: http://www.elecraft.com/news.htm __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
I see a couple 15-pin HD connectors, XCVR and AMP. I have a pretty well stuffed plug on the K3 ACC socket now (RTTY interface / KRC2 / PR6 / KPA500). Does the K3 to KPA500 cable simply go to the KAT500, then a jumper from the KAT to the KPA ?? THX! 73, Bill N2BC __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Hi, Yes, but the cables are BNC terminated cables connected via adapters from the looks of it it. Not in my shack either, but that is beside the point. More questions: How much current on the 11-15V supply? Is the tune button a simple switch to ground? You know what I am getting at. I want to mount this fellow outdoors in a weather protected shelter and remote it. I have been doing that successfully with an MFJ auto-tuner for more than 3 upstate NY winters and it's still going strong. I think my house can accommodate the KAT500 with some rearranging. Assuming that the tuner will switch to bypass when losing power, all I need is the ability to initiate a tune cycle. I assume that the tuner can be put in semiautomatic mode (only tunes on demand) and will remember the mode across power cycle. I am drooling already. The MFJ tuner performs adequately but has a 200W limit and is somewhat temperamental when it comes to finding a tuning solution. An Eham reviewer of it claims that they have wired the 4 LSB bits for the relays backwards. I find it hard to believe but it often fails to find solutions on easy to tune antennas (I have 6 behind an MFJ remote switch box). AB2TC - Knut Gary Gregory wrote Rick, Maybe you need another coffee?...:-) Look pretty much like SO-239's to me Gary On 25 April 2012 06:18, Rick Bates lt;happymoosephoto@gt; wrote: Did I see BNC adapters? For THAT much energy? Not in my shack... ;-) It's time to replace the drool pads again... patience patience Rick wa6nhc On 4/24/2012 12:50 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: New KAT500 pictures on our news page: http://www.elecraft.com/news.htm __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@.qth This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Gary VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile Elecraft Equipment K3 #679, KPA-500 #018 Living the dream!!! __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@.qth This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/New-KAT500-pics-from-the-Visalia-DX-convention-tp7497067p7497526.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
10:1 SWR at 1.5 kW mandates voltages and currents that require, among other very expensive items, vacuum variable caps, [high current AND high voltage] relay design and contacts, and inductors that can handle ridiculous reactive currents. And I'm sure you want it in the same form factor, right? If you want to see something actually built for that, try http://www.rfconcepts.com/PRODUCTS/New-Products/Alpha4040 There probably is not a reasonable antenna that you cannot partially match at the antenna feed to reduce SWR over the coax, and save a lot of loss in the process, to get it at significantly less than 3:1 looking into the coax. An example of this is using a 3:1 turns ratio autotransformer (not a balun) at the base of an end-fed halfwave. Feeding 9:1 stepped down Z over the coax is not so bad, and it's within the range of just about any tuner I ever saw. If you're getting 10:1 out of a piece of coax, you're using up your amp to cover the loss in the coax from running power through it at a ridiculous and hugely lossy SWR. 73, Guy. On Tue, Apr 24, 2012 at 4:11 PM, Tim Tucker ae...@worldwidedx.com wrote: Any plans soon on a legal limit (1.5 KW+) auto tuner that can handle 10:1 SWR? Reading the site, it looks like the KAT500 will the power, but only at 3:1 SWR. - Owner, worldwidedx.com AE6LX, Amateur Radio NNN0ITA, Navy MARS NNN0GAF FOUR, Southern CA Director Assistant for Training, Navy MARS __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Yes, the connections are as you've suggested. The KAT500 has access to the K3's band change lines, AUXBUS, and can interrupt the KPA500 PTT key line with just that one cable. I have that same too busy ACC connector problem with antenna bandpass filter switching, amp, PR-6, and PTT/FSK connection to a microHAM device. I'm using a couple of layers of Y connector, dislike the solution, and I have ideas to resolve that problem somehow. Unfortunately I have more ideas than time to implement them. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of N2BC Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 2:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention I see a couple 15-pin HD connectors, XCVR and AMP. I have a pretty well stuffed plug on the K3 ACC socket now (RTTY interface / KRC2 / PR6 / KPA500). Does the K3 to KPA500 cable simply go to the KAT500, then a jumper from the KAT to the KPA ?? THX! 73, Bill N2BC __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
The voltage at 500 watts would be 224 volts peak. In fact, 1500 watts would be 387 volts peak. Well within the 500 volt peak rating of the BNC and the 500 volt peak rating of the UHF connector according to Amphenol. The N connector is rated at 1500 volts peak, which is odd since the center of it is the same dimensions as the BNC connector. The output of the tuner is another matter as to a possible peak voltage... But I run all BNC connectors in my shack, have for decades and never had an issue with up to legal limit. I do have a UHF jack at the output of my tuner, connected to a UHF plug on a balun. By the way, UHF connectors are not 50 ohm connectors, but are non constant impedance connectors. 50 ohm BNCs are of course 50 ohms Chuck, KE9UW aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] on behalf of Dick Dievendorff [die...@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 4:33 PM To: 'Rick Bates'; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention http://www.elecraft.com/KAT500/kat500rear_visalia.jpg There are no BNC connectors on the back of the KAT500. The back panel (from left to right) has a heavy screw with wing nut for ground, four SO-239s (ANT3, ANT2, ANT1, XMTR), a 2.1 mm coaxial jack for 12V DC power, two RCA phono jacks for amplifier PTT key line interrupt (you would not normally use these for an Elecraft K3 / KPA500), a 3.5mm TRS jack labeled AH-4 that can be used with ICOM transceivers with a TUNE button and a four-pin Molex tune connector, a 3.5mm TRS jack labeled PC Data that uses a device like the KXUSB USB-to-serial adapter, or the same serial cable that is used for the W2 or XG3), and two 15-pin accessory connectors for connection from K3 to KAT500 to KPA500. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rick Bates Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 1:19 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention Did I see BNC adapters? For THAT much energy? Not in my shack... ;-) It's time to replace the drool pads again... patience patience Rick wa6nhc On 4/24/2012 12:50 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: New KAT500 pictures on our news page: http://www.elecraft.com/news.htm __ 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 __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
We weren't using high power at Visalia. There are different opinions about whether 500 W is too much for a BNC connector, but the point is moot; the connectors on the KAT500 are all SO-239 UHF connectors. Power needs haven't been specified, but we have a number of 12V relays that want 30 mA and one that needs 60 mA. I'm hoping we can keep the overall power limit to 2A max, but 1A may not be attainable. There will be a pull-to-ground to initiate tune mechanism on the AH-4 connector. However we really need to interrupt the amplifier key line during tuning, or you'll have to do it yourself to tune. Some of the ATU's ability to protect itself from damage in the event of severe mismatch and high power depends on the ability to inhibit the amplifier through the amp PTT/key line. The ATU is bypassed and ANT1 is selected when powered off. Right now I depend on a power off pushbutton to save some transient state, but I think I want to do it periodically anyway (saving only if it's changed) so that if you make a change and wait a few seconds we won't lose that state across power off. New tune results are of course saved for retune. We have a lot of EEPROM for saving tune results. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of ab2tc Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 2:45 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention Hi, Yes, but the cables are BNC terminated cables connected via adapters from the looks of it it. Not in my shack either, but that is beside the point. More questions: How much current on the 11-15V supply? Is the tune button a simple switch to ground? You know what I am getting at. I want to mount this fellow outdoors in a weather protected shelter and remote it. I have been doing that successfully with an MFJ auto-tuner for more than 3 upstate NY winters and it's still going strong. I think my house can accommodate the KAT500 with some rearranging. Assuming that the tuner will switch to bypass when losing power, all I need is the ability to initiate a tune cycle. I assume that the tuner can be put in semiautomatic mode (only tunes on demand) and will remember the mode across power cycle. I am drooling already. The MFJ tuner performs adequately but has a 200W limit and is somewhat temperamental when it comes to finding a tuning solution. An Eham reviewer of it claims that they have wired the 4 LSB bits for the relays backwards. I find it hard to believe but it often fails to find solutions on easy to tune antennas (I have 6 behind an MFJ remote switch box). AB2TC - Knut Gary Gregory wrote Rick, Maybe you need another coffee?...:-) Look pretty much like SO-239's to me Gary On 25 April 2012 06:18, Rick Bates lt;happymoosephoto@gt; wrote: Did I see BNC adapters? For THAT much energy? Not in my shack... ;-) It's time to replace the drool pads again... patience patience Rick wa6nhc On 4/24/2012 12:50 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: New KAT500 pictures on our news page: http://www.elecraft.com/news.htm __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@.qth This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Gary VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile Elecraft Equipment K3 #679, KPA-500 #018 Living the dream!!! __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@.qth This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/New-KAT500-pics-from-the-Visalia-DX-con vention-tp7497067p7497526.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
BNC's can handle kilowatts of RF efficiently at reasonable SWRs. After all, the popular type N is simply a BNC with a screw-on outer shell. Decent quality BNCs (e.g. Amphenol) are rated at 500 volts peak with a dielectric that will handle 1,500 V rms. That's 5 KW into 50 ohms, if my brain is working correctly, so they should handle the legal limit for US Hams into any reasonable SWR. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Did I see BNC adapters? For THAT much energy? Not in my shack... ;-) It's time to replace the drool pads again... patience patience Rick wa6nhc On 4/24/2012 12:50 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: New KAT500 pictures on our news page: http://www.elecraft.com/news.htm __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
The 500 volts peak translates to 1250 watts at an SWR = 1.0, but the 1,500 V rms translates into 45 kW (also at SWR = 1.0) if my calculator is correct. In ant case, BNC connectors do not have a problem at the 500 watt level unless the SWR is high. On 4/24/2012 6:57 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: BNC's can handle kilowatts of RF efficiently at reasonable SWRs. After all, the popular type N is simply a BNC with a screw-on outer shell. Decent quality BNCs (e.g. Amphenol) are rated at 500 volts peak with a dielectric that will handle 1,500 V rms. That's 5 KW into 50 ohms, if my brain is working correctly, so they should handle the legal limit for US Hams into any reasonable SWR. Ron AC7AC __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Is there an option to replace the SO239s on my K3 with BNCs? Sent from my iPad On 25 Apr 2012, at 00:15, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: The 500 volts peak translates to 1250 watts at an SWR = 1.0, but the 1,500 V rms translates into 45 kW (also at SWR = 1.0) if my calculator is correct. In ant case, BNC connectors do not have a problem at the 500 watt level unless the SWR is high. On 4/24/2012 6:57 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: BNC's can handle kilowatts of RF efficiently at reasonable SWRs. After all, the popular type N is simply a BNC with a screw-on outer shell. Decent quality BNCs (e.g. Amphenol) are rated at 500 volts peak with a dielectric that will handle 1,500 V rms. That's 5 KW into 50 ohms, if my brain is working correctly, so they should handle the legal limit for US Hams into any reasonable SWR. Ron AC7AC __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Oak Hills Research sells a kit with a female BNC and a punched plate sized to fit in place of a SO-239 for $5.00 each or two for $7.50. I have them on both of my K3s and quite a few other places in the shack. The ones that haven't been replaced wear adapters to BNC, all my cables are BNC... That reminds me, I've got to yoder a few more... Chuck - AA3CS Sent from my iPhone On Apr 24, 2012, at 19:24, David Ferrington, M0XDF m0...@alphadene.co.uk wrote: Is there an option to replace the SO239s on my K3 with BNCs? Sent from my iPad On 25 Apr 2012, at 00:15, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: The 500 volts peak translates to 1250 watts at an SWR = 1.0, but the 1,500 V rms translates into 45 kW (also at SWR = 1.0) if my calculator is correct. In ant case, BNC connectors do not have a problem at the 500 watt level unless the SWR is high. On 4/24/2012 6:57 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: BNC's can handle kilowatts of RF efficiently at reasonable SWRs. After all, the popular type N is simply a BNC with a screw-on outer shell. Decent quality BNCs (e.g. Amphenol) are rated at 500 volts peak with a dielectric that will handle 1,500 V rms. That's 5 KW into 50 ohms, if my brain is working correctly, so they should handle the legal limit for US Hams into any reasonable SWR. Ron AC7AC __ 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 __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
I had Joel at The RF Connection (therfc.com) order me some BNC panel connectors with the same bolt pattern as an SO239. This allowed me to change out the connectors on my K3 and several other pieces of equipment. It is not an item he normally stocks as far as I know. I gave them the RFI part number and they ordered me 10-12 of them as I remember. They may have even have come drop ship from RFI. But RFI wouldn't even acknowledge an email from me. The RFI part number is RFB-115-14 if you want them to order some for you. On Tue, Apr 24, 2012 at 6:24 PM, David Ferrington, M0XDF m0...@alphadene.co.uk wrote: Is there an option to replace the SO239s on my K3 with BNCs? Sent from my iPad On 25 Apr 2012, at 00:15, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: The 500 volts peak translates to 1250 watts at an SWR = 1.0, but the 1,500 V rms translates into 45 kW (also at SWR = 1.0) if my calculator is correct. In ant case, BNC connectors do not have a problem at the 500 watt level unless the SWR is high. On 4/24/2012 6:57 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: BNC's can handle kilowatts of RF efficiently at reasonable SWRs. After all, the popular type N is simply a BNC with a screw-on outer shell. Decent quality BNCs (e.g. Amphenol) are rated at 500 volts peak with a dielectric that will handle 1,500 V rms. That's 5 KW into 50 ohms, if my brain is working correctly, so they should handle the legal limit for US Hams into any reasonable SWR. Ron AC7AC __ 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 __ 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 -- Jim K0XU j...@rhodesend.net __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Jim, Don't get me wrong, I am quite happy using UHF to BNC adapters where they are convenient. I use PL-259 connectors on RG-8X or RG-213 cables for my intra-shack connections. In other words, I use what works. I do have several cables with PL-259 on one end and BNC on the other to connect to my QRP gear. I have no desire convert my equipment from the connectors that are standard for that piece of equipment to anything else. There are adapters and tween series connectors that will serve as the transition pieces. As A for-instance, my HW101 used an RCA jack for the RF connector (the Collins KWM@ and S-line did too if my memory is correct). The use of an RCA to either BNC or PL-259 adapter is prudent rather than changing the connector on that piece of classic gear. 73, Don W3FPR On 4/24/2012 10:13 PM, Jim Rhodes wrote: I had Joel at The RF Connection (therfc.com) order me some BNC panel connectors with the same bolt pattern as an SO239. This allowed me to change out the connectors on my K3 and several other pieces of equipment. It is not an item he normally stocks as far as I know. I gave them the RFI part number and they ordered me 10-12 of them as I remember. They may have even have come drop ship from RFI. But RFI wouldn't even acknowledge an email from me. The RFI part number is RFB-115-14 if you want them to order some for you. On Tue, Apr 24, 2012 at 6:24 PM, David Ferrington, M0XDF m0...@alphadene.co.uk wrote: Is there an option to replace the SO239s on my K3 with BNCs? Sent from my iPad On 25 Apr 2012, at 00:15, Don Wilhelmw3...@embarqmail.com wrote: The 500 volts peak translates to 1250 watts at an SWR = 1.0, but the 1,500 V rms translates into 45 kW (also at SWR = 1.0) if my calculator is correct. In ant case, BNC connectors do not have a problem at the 500 watt level unless the SWR is high. On 4/24/2012 6:57 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: BNC's can handle kilowatts of RF efficiently at reasonable SWRs. After all, the popular type N is simply a BNC with a screw-on outer shell. Decent quality BNCs (e.g. Amphenol) are rated at 500 volts peak with a dielectric that will handle 1,500 V rms. That's 5 KW into 50 ohms, if my brain is working correctly, so they should handle the legal limit for US Hams into any reasonable SWR. Ron AC7AC __ 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 __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
I installed the Oak Hills BNC connectors in my K3 during the initial build 5 years ago. Great decision. Much more convenient and allows for rapid cable changes. Everything in my shack and antenna runs has been standardized with BNCs. 73 Craig AC0DS __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
It's a simple homebrew - a square of aluminum (or whatever - even scrap PCB) with a hole for the BNC in the center and two or four holes in the SO239 pattern for mounting. But I don't know that there's a significant loss in using a *quality* SO239-BNC adapter. That's what I do. It's very nice having only ONE type of coaxial connector - a simple twist-lock BNC - especially because I have to tear the setup apart constantly. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I had Joel at The RF Connection (therfc.com) order me some BNC panel connectors with the same bolt pattern as an SO239. This allowed me to change out the connectors on my K3 and several other pieces of equipment. It is not an item he normally stocks as far as I know. I gave them the RFI part number and they ordered me 10-12 of them as I remember. They may have even have come drop ship from RFI. But RFI wouldn't even acknowledge an email from me. The RFI part number is RFB-115-14 if you want them to order some for you. On Tue, Apr 24, 2012 at 6:24 PM, David Ferrington, M0XDF m0...@alphadene.co.uk wrote: Is there an option to replace the SO239s on my K3 with BNCs? Sent from my iPad __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Hello Craig, Not singling you out or anything but I've been wondering while reading this thread WHY you would want to change to a non-standard connector series? The UHF connector is the standard for HF radios, watt-meters, antenna switches, etc. You mention rapid cable changes.just how many times in an average week do you change cables? On 4/24/2012 9:37 PM, Craig Smith wrote: I installed the Oak Hills BNC connectors in my K3 during the initial build 5 years ago. Great decision. Much more convenient and allows for rapid cable changes. Everything in my shack and antenna runs has been standardized with BNCs. 73 Craig AC0DS __ 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 -- 73, Gary K9GS Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com CW Ops #1032 http://www.cwops.org __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Craig, I do not want to push the envelope, but I have found that UHF connectors are more reliable than BNC. The BNC connectors are smaller, but are more susceptible to the connection being distorted because either the center conductor has been pulled back into the housing or the shield connection has failed. In other words, a BNC connector is no panacea - it can have failure points unknown to the UHF connector world. Below 100 MHz, the UHF connector is perfectly adequate. The only caution I can offer on the use of UHF connectors is that they must be tightened - finger tight is not enough, it requires a slight extra tightening with pliers. The continuity of the shield connection depends on the tightness of the connector - BNC and Type N do not have that dependency - if those connectors are engaged (whether tightened or not), there is a good connection for bother the center conductor and the shield. I do use BNC connectors at my workbench every day just because they are convenient and easy to change from one connection to another. If I an servicing a KPA100, I will screw a PL-259 to BNC adapter onto the RF output jack so I can use my workbench BNC cables for quick connect/disconnect. I do keep a constant check on the BNC connectors - if the shield escapes the clamp, or the center conductor is pulled back, I discard the cable, or simply cut off the offending cable end so I know to repair it later. For those with more permanent stations, I would highly recommend sticking with theUHF connectors or using UHF to BNC adapters rather than modifying your equipment. Just my humble opinion. 73, Don W3FPR On 4/24/2012 10:37 PM, Craig Smith wrote: I installed the Oak Hills BNC connectors in my K3 during the initial build 5 years ago. Great decision. Much more convenient and allows for rapid cable changes. Everything in my shack and antenna runs has been standardized with BNCs. 73 Craig AC0DS __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
On 4/24/2012 8:07 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Below 100 MHz, the UHF connector is perfectly adequate. The notion that PL-259 and mating SO239 connectors are not good at VHF (and even low UHF) because their impedance isn't close enough to 50 ohms is one of those myths that is not based on fact. A few years ago, I spliced together 1,300 ft of Commscope 3227 (like LMR400, but with a solid #10 copper center) that cut into 100 ft lengths for a DX trip. There were a total of about 24 PL-259s and about half that number of barrels, all Amphenols. The loss at 500 MHz measured by substitution using HP test gear, was a dB or so less than the published spec for the cable. What folks seem to miss is that 1) while there may be a SMALL difference in the Zo, the length of the connector is also small as a fraction of a wavelength, and 2) the tendency of loss in ANY transmission line to bring the VSWR back to unity. Both of these factors tend to render any small discontinuity meaningless below 1 GHz or so. What matters FAR more is the QUALITY of the connectors used. Most of the deficiencies blamed on UHF connectors (and on BNC connectors) are the result of the use of no-name JUNK connectors. I use nothing but Amphenols. They cost a bit more, but I've been bitten far too often (and badly) when I've used anything else. Nothing like having a connector fall apart, or melt because it's made of thin metal, or because wide tolerance parts don't mate securely, or a dielectric that melts when you try to solder the connector. And a junk connector that fails 80 ft up in the air can be both difficult to diagnose and VERY costly to replace! 73, Jim K9YC __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
It boils down to personal preference, and I like BNCs. UHF seem really large and clunky to me, and I don't like having to unscrew them rather than just a small twist. One factor that other folks might not have is that I run strictly low power and the largest coax I have anywhere in my station is LMR-240 size. So using a large connector seems like overkill to me. I also invested in a good crimp tool and make all my own BNC cables and have yet to have a failure. So to me, there is zero downside to using BNCs. But I appreciate that others may have a different opinion. 73 Craig AC0DS __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
Getting back to the original post.. which was the KAT500...great looking product as expected. Does it look like an announcement as to price and availablity is coming by the end of May? ..mike AI6II -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/New-KAT500-pics-from-the-Visalia-DX-convention-tp7497067p7498249.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500 pics from the Visalia DX convention
I believe that the accepted figure for the loss of one PL-259 connector is about 0.01 dB at 50 MHz, and this is a very conservative (pessimistic) estimate. You will find measurements on the web that vary from 0 dB to 1 dB for a single PL-259. The (female) SO-239 is a bit worse, but if you use 0.01 dB for each connector regardless of type, you will have a pretty good, conservative estimate of the connector loss in your system at HF. The typical ham has about 20 coaxial connectors in the path between transmitter and antenna, representing a total loss of about 0.2 dB (conservative) representing about 4.5 W loss for every 100 W of transmitter power. To me this seems like it's in the (very conservative) ballpark. The loss increases at higher frequencies, as you can imagine, but it's also even lower at lower frequencies. Al W6LX __ 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
