[Elecraft] k2 antenna connector

[d.cutter at ntlworld.com]

Hello David

It's not a gain or vswr issue it's one of reliability.  We've had so many plugs and sockets become defective with wx/mis-handling/connections makes and re-makes, etc that the 239s are just not up to it.  Also you cannot be sure that you have the right thread - there's more than one.  We tape over all our outdoor connections, even tho the N is notionally waterproof, but for quick testing we don't and it is not a problem for over-weekend to leave them untaped if we are in the middle of a contest.  Whereas 239s have leaked and failed within a 48 hour contest, so you have to be diligent.  

Frankly, I think the industry went the wrong way when it chose 239s to amateur equipment; I know it was for cost reasons and then it became a standard.  The modern ones with the new braid connection arrangement (as in the N) is far superior, but the N is still better and fits in the same space for similar money.  

I'm perfectly happy with the BNC on the K2 and it would be a good choice for all moderate power amateur equipment.  No threads to get crossed etc.  The only issue is it's a bit more fiddly to fit the cable connector.

David
G3UNA
> 
> From: David Pratt <david at g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk>
> Date: 2006/11/21 Tue AM 07:28:36 GMT
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] k2 antenna connector
> 
> In a recent message, David Cutter <d.cutter at ntlworld.com> wrote ...
> >I'm going around my contest station changing all the 239s for Ns.
> >David
> >G3UNA
> 
> Why?  How many dB gain to you expect to achieve by changing to N-type? 
> The BNC connector should be plenty adequate for the K2.
> 
> In contests, everybody is 599 anyway ;-)
> 
> 73 de David G4DMP
> 
> 
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