[Elecraft] BNC Connectors

[Jack Smith]

There are prefab cables and then again there are prefab cables.

A few years ago, I was given a couple of boxes of BNC jumper cables, 
new, intended for computer to network jumpers. RG-58 size cable, molded 
on boots.

After several of these proved less than reliable, I cut several apart. 
The cable is built like audio cables, thin foil shield and a small 
amount of wire shield. The connectors were off-size and did not always 
fit a MIL-spec BNC female connector. And one of the reasons the cables 
failed was the shell came apart.

On the other hand, I have some military surplus BNC jumper cables that 
are excellent, made with double shielded cable, silver plated BNCs, etc.

A ratcheting crimp tool and a set of commonly used jaws from RF Parts 
will run well over $100, but a similar quality tool from The  RF 
Connection is less than half that. I have ratcheting tools from both 
sources and can't see much difference in quality. If you only need one 
tool, the RF Connection version is about $35, with jaws.

When it comes to connectors, a similar option is available. You can get 
cheap Chinese crimp BNC connectors for about a buck each. You can also 
get (Amphenol RX series) a higher quality connector, made in either 
Mexico or China, for a bit more money, or you can go full up on a silver 
plated MIL-spec style connector.

Jack K8ZOA


On 1/28/2010 8:23 AM, Brian Alsop wrote:
> Bret,
> Look at the cost of small quantities of decent BNC connectors.
> Then look at the price of prefab cables.  You'll find that buying prefab
> stuff is cheaper. Add in the cost of a crimper tool and prefab's are the
> way to go.
>
> The break even point is probably several hundred.
>
> 73 de Brian/K3KO
>
> P.S. I generally hate buying prefab cables because "hams should make
> their own cables" in my opinion.  However hams are alwayS out to save
> money so $$ rule the roost.  What galls me is the $20 to $50 price tag
> on prefab cables for rigs to anything.  Invest in a soldering iron,
> perhaps a $3 set of binocular vision goggles, some solder and do it your
> self.
>
> Brett Howard wrote:
>    
>> I've done a good portion of building a K2, and completely built a K1...
>> But amazingly enough I've never solder terminated a coax link...  I
>> guess I've always preferred the look of professionally terminated
>> cabling.  But now I need a few simple short patch cables.  In the shack
>> I have a decent amount 60+ foot or so of RG58/U and then around 120 foot
>> or so of RG58/AU...  Pretty much seems about to be the same stuff with
>> one stranded center and the other solid center conductor.  I feel for HF
>> use this coax should be ample for a few 18" patches... Anyone disagree?
>> I may end up using these for VHF as well but doubtful I'd do much of
>> anything over 150Mhz.  I'm not married to using the cordage that I have
>> on hand but it would be nice to be able to use that stuff....  If there
>> is something that would fit better feel free to advise.  (I've always
>> been a fan of RG-8x for HAM use and I use RG-217 or better at work
>> always but like I said I'm not terminating those myself...)
>>
>> I've attempted to do this with PL-259 connectors before and was
>> unsuccessful (but I tried to use a less than optimal soldering iron and
>> it took too long to get things hot and I ended up with a short in the
>> end).  I've now bought an adequate dual temp weller gun and should have
>> better success.
>>
>> So I guess for the next real question where would one recommend to get
>> PL-259 and BNC connectors for this job.  Should I go for solder on or
>> crimp on?  I'm more than willing to spend the money for a good crimp
>> tool if need be and its a better option.
>>
>> Anyway I'm open to recommendations as to where one should procure the
>> connectors as well as any tips, tricks, and opinions on what I should
>> use (so long as the opinions come with explanations). ;)
>>
>> Thanks kindly gentlemen.
>>
>> ~Brett (KC7OTG)
>>
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