[Elecraft] KPA500/Kat500 Cables - PL-259 Question

[Vic K2VCO]

Jim,

In my experience, there are quite acceptable unbranded connectors out there. The problem 
is, you don't know what you are getting, as you do when you buy Amphenols. But I would 
expect that DXE checks out what they buy and they are probably OK.

Problems with junk PL-259's are insulation that melts when you solder the connector, 
threads that don't fit other connectors, center pins that loosen up, plating that doesn't 
take solder (this is really nice when it happens in the field or on a roof or tower) -- 
all things that you will notice when you install them.

Sockets are another story because you can't tell about the durability of the contact 
material at installation time!

On 11/8/2013 2:55 PM, Jim Bennett wrote:
> The UPS guy is set to deliver my KAT500 and KPA500 later this afternoon. In the mean
> time, I've been getting "stuff" ready for the blessed event. Some of that stuff means
> preparing coax jumpers to run from the K3 to the KPA500 and from the KPA500 to the
> KAT500. From the KAT500 I may go to my 4:1 balun directly to my doublet or through a
> 4-position coax switch - undecided there. Anyway, many knowledgeable folks have stated,
> either on this reflector or on their own web sites, that it's a good idea to stick with
> known manufacturers of coax and connectors, such as Belden, Amphenol, The Wireman, DXE,
> etc.
>
> Well, I just got a bunch of PL-259 connectors from that last-mentioned vendor and
> noticed that they had no brand name on them. Plus, the vendor's web site doesn't say
> that they are "Amphenol" brand, but that they ARE silver plated and teflon insulated.
> Comparing these connectors with some other silver / teflon connectors in my parts
> drawer, I notice a difference in the center conductor. On the DXE PL-259's, the center
> pin is 100% surrounded with what apparently is the white teflon insulation. On the ones
> in my bin, there is a small silver-looking "ring" around that center pin, approximately
> 1 mm wide, and then teflon as the remainder of the insulation. The only other
> difference between these two types of connectors is that the DXE-supplied PL-259's have
> a much more coarse "finger grip" area than my other ones.
>
> So, the question is - with neither of them having any brand name on them, should one
> feel comfortable using either of them? How can you tell if a PL-259 is "crap", other
> than a lack of teflon insulation and silver plating?
>
> Jim / W6JHB
>
> Folsom, CA (anxiously waiting for Mr. UPS)

-- 
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/