[Elecraft] K3 Intermittently loses gain

[Edward R. Cole]

I wasn't going to reply on the coax connector issue, but how I know 
that Amphenol UHF connectors are best is from 15-years of commercial 
use in Marine Electronics.  They solder better and do not fail like 
cheaper manufacturer's.  We tried saving some money using RS 
connectors in the beginning and had some many problems that I made 
the decision to specify Amphenol brand 100% for UHF and N-type.

You do not want coax failures when you need to call the USCG for 
assistance because your boat is sinking or on fire.

So I have not done lab measurements, etc.  Only tested them in a 
demanding environment over a long time period.

For an alternative I use RF Parts connectors for special coax types 
or unusual adapters.  My 2m eme array uses 20 N-male RF Parts 
connectors for Time LMR-400 coax (larger dia. than RG-213).  They 
have been in service on the tower since 1998.  I had one bad SWR but 
that was the result of improper assembly.  The connector works good 
after reassembly.

Answer to tower climbing question:  I climb my towers for free.  The 
Tower service we hired at work charged $120/hour.  I am happy that I 
can still climb but know the years that I can continue are 
limited.  Another reason to not take shortcuts on cables and connectors.

73, Ed - KL7UW

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Message: 36
Date: Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:59:22 -0700
From: Jim Brown <jim at audiosystemsgroup.com>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Intermittently loses gain

Yes, Amphenol is more expensive than cheap junk. How much does it cost
to get someone to climb a tower?  How much do you spend to go on a
DXpedition? How much time do you lose chasing intermittent problems?

How would you KNOW if they are any good or not?  Have you cut one open
to see what it looks like?  Have you done any serious power tests?  Have
you done serious loss or reflection measurements?  Have you put stress
on them to break them mechanically?

I used them in my station and nothing blew up (yet)?  That isn't a real
test, it's luck.

73, Jim K9YC



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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