[Elecraft] So-called "UHF" connectors...

[John Ragle]

     Even at 144 MHz, UHF connectors are probably acceptable, with the 
"bump" being < 1 cm in length compared to 200 cm. I think more at issue 
is the environmental quality of the dielectric. The "old military" ones, 
with what we used to call "mud" as the dielectric material are really 
not very forgiving of anything outdoors on the long term. They shrink, 
crack, hold water, etc. On the other hand, the PTFE ("teflon") 
dielectric versions will hold up under quite vile conditions, 
particularly if properly "booted." Personally, I like the Type N 
connectors, and even prefer them over the BNC and other variations. They 
go together much more easily (one might even say "rationally") than the 
UHF male cable ends, and anyone who has ever taken a UHF cable-end male 
apart has seen what a mess the sweat-soldering can make of the 
inside....but I do think that the issue with standard "mud" type UHFs is 
with the durability of the dielectric, not with the impedance bump, at 
HF and even low VHF frequencies.

John Ragle -- W1ZI