[Boatanchors] Riveting in Collins radios

[Glen Zook]

That raises the question as to why the connection is constantly being connected and disconnected.  In most amateur radio installations of the Collins S-Line that I know of, the equipment is set in place and usually stays there for years.

Even when the UHF series is used (PL-259 / SO-239), repeated connecting and disconnecting is going to result in problems.  Usually, the center connection on the SO-239 loosens and doesn't make good contact.  However, over the years I have seen numerous occasions where the insulation on the SO-239 has been broken.  In most of these I am pretty sure that a large diameter cable, like RG8/U or RG213/U has been connected and then the cable is moved around.  I see this mainly on receivers.

In the case of the RCA connectors, if someone uses an adapter (like the Radio Shack BNC or UHF to Motorola which definitely works with RCA connectors) are used, then it is pretty easy to break the insulation because of the leverage when the cable is moved.  But, when a proper RCA phono plug attached to RG58/U coaxial cable is used then there is not a problem.

Again, the problems with the insulators of RCA jacks is normally caused by trying to use cables with some sort of adapter.

Glen, K9STH

Website:  http://k9sth.com


--- On Wed, 4/6/11, David Knepper <collinsradio at comcast.net> wrote:

Glenn, the problem with the RCA connector as you well know is that the porcelain cracks from constant abuse - in and out. Then, where are you as they say.