[Elecraft] KX1 - cheap(er) random wire adapter

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

An even simpler BNC to wire adapter that I use is a standard BNC male to
SO-239 (so-called "UHF") female.=20

The center hole of the SO-239 connector is an excellent fit for a banana
plug on the end of a random wire. A real advantage to a banana plug is =
that
should someone jerk on the wire, the plug will usually pop out of the
connector before the rig goes flying off of the table! At least it will =
with
a K2, but I need to hang onto the KX1 in any case to keep it in one =
place
while operating! It's too light, even when loaded with batteries.=20

And, should you ever find yourself looking at hooking to an antenna with =
a
big ol' PL-239 connector at the rig, end, you have the proper adapter =
right
in the bag.=20

Works FB with  the QRP version of the K2 too..

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
After doing my part to support the Elecraft innovation machine though, I
thought the suggested BNC to random wire adapter at $20 (that did not go =
to
the Elecraft cause) could be improvised a little cheaper.  The solution =
was
simple and fits nicely in a small space.  Radio Shack sells a solderless =
BNC
for RG-58 coax part number 278-185.  Take a hacksaw and carefully saw =
off
the ribbed metal rotatable sleeve right at the base without cutting the
center pin.  Then solder one wire to the center and one to the cut brass
surface of the outer sleeve.  These can then be attached to random wires =
in
the method of your choice.  I like alligator clips soldered on the =
random
wires.

73, Sandy, KB3EOF