[Elecraft] Type "N" connectors

[Larry Phipps]

Thanks Jack. That begs the question for us lazy types... which supplier 
is cheapest?

73,
Larry N8LP


Jack Smith wrote:
> I would add  that once you have a good crimp tool, such as the 
> ratcheting type Don mentions, one can install crimp UHF connectors as 
> well.
>
> I switched to crimp-type connectors quite a while ago and find them 
> superior to solder-type connectors. Some crimp connectors are 
> double-crimp, i.e., both the center pin and shield are crimped and 
> others have a solder-type center pin and crimp shield.
>
> It's important that the crimp connector be the correct one for the 
> coax type and that you use the correct die size, of course. Some crimp 
> tools have interchangeable die sets and others are made with a 
> non-removable die.
>
> If you decide to buy a crimp tool, shop around, as there is at least a 
> 2:1 price variation from supplier-to-supplier for what seems to be the 
> same tool.
>
> Jack K8ZOA
>
>
>
> Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> John,
>>
>> I too have come to the conclusion that working with BNC and N 
>> connectors is actually a lot easier than UHF types.
>>
>> But I continually hear from hams that look at the K2 and point to the 
>> BNC connector on the QRP unit then comment "THAT would HAVE to be 
>> changed to a UHF type - that is all I use".
>>
>> Somehow there seems to be a prevalent opinion that BNC and N 
>> connectors are harder to assemble than UHF, but I find exactly the 
>> opposite to be true.  While it IS easy to assemble a UHF connector 
>> improperly and have it 'work' (after a fashion), improperly assembled 
>> BNC/N/TNC/C connectors usually won't work at all.  In the past, I 
>> subscribed to the 'UHF is easier' camp until I discovered that my 
>> only failing with BNC and N connectors was that I did not pay enough 
>> attention to the coax stripping length instructions.
>>
>> I have finally invested in a set of ratchet crimpers so I can use 
>> crimp style connectors - that makes the BNC/N/TNC/C connectors MUCH 
>> easier to assemble than the UHF type - but one must still be careful 
>> about cutting the coax correctly.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> John GM4SLV wrote:
>>
>>> <hobby horse>
>>>
>>> But in terms of being a PITA to put the plugs on correctly, and mostly
>>> these days they seem made of soft cheese, I'd have a /real/ RF
>>> connector over a "UHF" one any day.
>>>
>>> Proper N/BNC/TNC/C types, with pressure sleave and "top hat" ferrule 
>>> for
>>> under the braid are a joy to fit, requiring a knife, a pair of small
>>> sidecutters, a _small_ soldering iron for the centre pin only and a
>>> couple of small spanners to do up the clamp nut. No messing about with
>>> soldering guns, blow torches or whatever people use to try and make a
>>> decent fist of soldering the braid (or usually just relying on pressure
>>> and the mstical force of gravity to hold the braid in contact with the
>>> shell of the plug).
>>>
>>>
>>> I agree that nobody is going to notice a performance problem with
>>> "UHF" connectors at HF but they just feel wrong to me...
>>>
>>> I didn't even know Elecraft used 259s on some of their products (only
>>> having a barefoot K2 and a K1) and it kinda surprises me. They use BNCs
>>> on the rigs...why not continue that to the PA? Even a BNC is adequate
>>> for the power levels involved and anyone with a K2 must be happy with
>>> working with BNCs already....
>>>
>>> </hobby horse>
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>>
>>> John GM4SLV
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