[Elecraft] BNC Connectors

Thu Jan 28 11:28:20 EST 2010

Ok I think I'm going to go both routes...  I used a house I've used for
work before onlinecables.com and I've ordered 3 cables.  2 cables at 72"
with a male BNC and a PL259 using RG223/U and one cable using 72" of
RG223 with male BNC's on both ends.  (I could have ordered the BNC to
BNC cable from someone else cheaper (as its a standard cable) but since
onlinecables.com adds $30 to orders under $100 I figured I'd just add it
all onto them.

I figure I can use these cables as a gold standard and see if I can get
close to them.  The BNC to PL259 cable was $43.84 each and the BNC to
BNC cable was $40.04.  I've seen the Pomona prefab cables (using the
same RG223/U for around 30 to 32 dollars but like I said I had to get
over $100 bucks to not spend an extra $30 charge).

Ok now that being said I think tonight (and this weekend) I'm going to
start researching what connectors and crimp tools I want to buy.  I
noticed that not many speak of the crimp on PL259's so perhaps I'll stay
away from those...  When I build my cables I'll probably not use the
double shielded RG223 stuff so it won't be a fair comparison but I'll
take the patch cables and see what difference I can see on a network
analyzer...  I can take a look up to about 26Ghz so I'm sure at some
point in time there will be a major difference between my cables and
those build by the pros!  

I appreciate all of the references gentlemen and I ensure you I'll read
every word of the material put in front of me...  For now I need to get
my butt into work and get the materials printed out for my design
review...  Its my day in the barrel today.  But I'm fairly confident
about this design so I don't think I'll be raked over the coals too
terribly bad! ;)

Again thanks for your input gentlemen you're all very helpful elmers!

~Brett (KC7OTG)  

On Thu, 2010-01-28 at 13:23 +0000, 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)
> > 
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> > 
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > 
> 