[Elecraft] BNC Connectors

[Jack Smith]

That should be "RFX" series, not "RX" series. It identifies Amphenol's 
"commercial grade" line.

Jack


On 1/28/2010 8:51 AM, Jack Smith wrote:
> 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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