[Collins] novice question

[Dr. Gerald N. Johnson]

On Mon, 2009-12-28 at 17:42 -0600, Michael Crognale wrote:
> I'm supposed to know this but.... old age I guess. Whyinhell did Art design the KWM2A with RCA jack output for the RF and also the 30L-1 with a female N connector as the RF output? What is/are the advantages? I've been taught that the N connectors were primarily for UHF. I also always thought that RCA connectors were primarily for audio and low power stuff like audio amps.
> Happy New Year,
> 
> Mike
> KC2TU/5

Likely the phono jack was used because it was already in use on the
32S-1 and it allowed a slide in mobile mount. It is a ceramic insulated
jack, better than phenolic insulation. Better quality than typically
used on the dime store phonograph.

N connectors are good to DC and have a constant 50 ohm impedance and the
ground doesn't depend on how tight the ring is. The more common SO-239
(aka as UHF from days when UHF was 21 MHz) has a sturdier center
conductor but the shield connection depends on keeping the ring tight.
And that's not always easy to do. I burned one black on a 15 watt 2m
mobile back in the 60s. Just from arcing at the ground connection.

Then I'd rather install a dozen mil spec N cable connectors to one
PL-259 and I'll have a dozen good connections vs one of questionable
quality.

-- 
73, Jerry, K0CQ, Technical Advisor to the CRA
All content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer