[Elecraft] K3 Standard internal Noise

[donovanf at starpower.net]

There's enormous variance in the quality and reliability of RF 
connectors; typically caused by inferior materials, manufacturing 
and installation methods. Hams should never try to save a few dollars 
on hamfest or cheap import connectors or cables. This is absolutely 
one of the worst places to economize in your station. 



The BNC connector probably has the widest quality variance of any 
RF connector commonly used by hams. Why is this? In part because 
the axial alignment and mating force of the male and female connector 
bodies is critically important to reliable connector performance. The 
spring force of the BNC bayonette and the manufacturing tolerances 
of the connector must establish and maintain excellent axial connector 
alignment and mating force throughout its life. 


Hams experienced in using BNC connectors will often recognize a 
poor quality BNC connector when the force required to engage the 
bayonette is unusually low and the axial alignment of the connector 
bodies is not firmly established and maintained after engaging the 
connector. If you can easily manipulate the axial a lignment of a BNC 
connector to its mate you probably have an unreliable BNC connector. 
This is exactly what was wrong with BNC cable assemblies delivered 
by Elecraft with some P3s. 


73 
Frank 
W3LPL 









----- Original Message -----

From: "Dave Cole (NK7Z)" <dave at nk7z.net> 
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Friday, January 4, 2019 3:42:29 AM 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Standard internal Noise 

Bottom line... We all spent thousands on our setups, why cheap out on a 
connector... 

73s and thanks, 
Dave (NK7Z) 
https://www.nk7z.net 
Award Manager, 30MDG Grid Contest 
ARRL Technical Specialist 
ARRL Volunteer Examiner 
ARRL OOC for Oregon 

On 1/3/19 1:29 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: 
> That's why I say "in most installations, more connectors usually equal 
> more problems". Mechanical-electro connectors are the weak link in 
> most all systems. 
> 
> I've never burned any coax, but I sure have fried a few connectors to 
> the point of having them flash over internally. With low level signals, 
> oxidation of contacts restrict or prevent the flow of current. For that 
> reason, it is good practice to "exercise" connectors to provide wiping 
> action of the contacts. 
> 
> And then there are those "look good" connectors found at many hamfests. 
> Buyer beware, they aren't usually as they appear but simply "good 
> looking" not necessarily "good performing". Stick with major known brands. 
> 
> 73 
> 
> Bob, K4TAX 
> 
> 
> On 1/3/2019 3:01 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: 
>> The quality of the coax is usually good, but it is the connectors that 
>> give trouble. If you cut off the connectors and use Amphenol 
>> connectors you will usually have a 'quality' cable. 
>> 
>> 73, 
>> Don W3FPR 
>> 
>> On 1/3/2019 3:22 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: 
>>> DX Engineering has the following: 
>>> 
>>> https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-8xdb002 
>>> 
>>> 73 
>>> 
>>> Bob, K4TAX 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On 1/3/2019 1:53 PM, Buck wrote: 
>>>> Where did you find "quality" cables? 
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