[Elecraft] BNC advice?

[G3VVT at aol.com]

Hi Gregg,

Yes, the crimp connectors provide a very sound connection when done 
correctly. They are relatively cheap to buy and quicker to install compared to good 
connectors of the normal type.

However they have several disadvantages.

1. They are not recyclable like the normal connectors.
2. There is a learning curve in getting them installed correctly.
3. They are better suited to installations where the connection is not moved 
or flexed.
4. If you make a mistake whilst installing them or they fail in service the 
only way is to cut the crimp connector off and install a one.
5. As you stated, a separate die is needed for each type of connector and can 
only be used for that.

We used BNC crimp connectors in a big way when building the company LAN and 
WAN systems. On the new Alcatel SDH fiber and microwave systems we also used 
the crimped BNC and SM series in profusion on the digital interconnection paths. 
It was easier to buy separate crimping tools for each type of connector 
rather than start transferring dies, though that could have been a problem related 
to the DMC tool we used (Daniel Manufacturing Company).

We had problems where the installer was careless on the installation of the 
crimp connector, the cause of faults not always being apparent and they always 
seemed less suitable for rugged use. I had an N type crimp connector on a 
commercial lead I use for testing duplexers and filters fail intermittently 
recently and led me astray somewhat before realising what was the problem.

If the use is totally within your control and construction of course you are 
better to use N type or BNC connectors, but in the big wide world out there 
the majority of 2 way radios from HF to VHF use the UHF type connector 
(PL259/SO239) as standard. Elecraft with their radios are one of the few exceptions 
that I have come across to use a better type connector. Some of the UHF Band 
radios use N type connectors, though even there some quite well known and 
respected manufacturers of 2 way radios use the UHF connector series.

At the end of the day the best advice as you give is to only buy the best 
quality connectors you can find from respected manufacturers, though even home 
grown products are no longer all locally manufactured, instead being out sourced 
by the brand name owners. You have to read the small print on the packet.

Unless you are lucky in finding a source of surplus ex military or true mil 
spec items cheap connectors are just that, a future source of problems. 

Regards,
Bob, G3VVT
K2 #4168