[HCARC] Crimped vs Soldered Coax Connectors??

Tue Sep 23 23:03:52 EDT 2014

All:

If you're interested email me and I'll send you a link to a study that
compares the characteristics of UHF, N, TNC, BNC and SMA connectors at
frequencies above 50 MHz.

Bottom line: UHF connectors are not a good choice at UHF frequencies (+300
MHz). For HF, UHF connectors are fine - less than 0.1 dB insertion loss per
connector. Note that when you read that UHF connectors have a "non-constant
impedance", what is meant is that the impedance varies with frequency. So a
UHF connector might have an impedance of 55 ohms at 3 MHz, 50 ohms at 15
MHz, 45 ohms at 30 MHz, and 35 ohms at 100 MHz. Again, not a big deal at HF
frequencies.

My 2 cents on the crimped vs. soldered issue: except for connections subject
to high or constant vibration, I think either would be fine mechanically,
assuming proper installation. Most home ham installations will never be
subject to the types of vibrations you might encounter on a naval vessel or
aircraft. I would use the fastening technique you are most comfortable with.
That being said, all mine are soldered, but I do have good heat sources (big
Weller soldering gun and a butane soldering iron) and lots of practice. If I
had it to do over again, I might be persuaded to go the crimping route just
for its ease and quickness.

One last opinion: I second others who say to use Amphenol connectors. Much
easier to solder than the no-name plated junk.

73,

Dale - K4DG

-----Original Message-----
From: HCARC [mailto:hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary J -
N5BAA
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2014 8:54 PM
To: kd5wdq .; john at janeandjohn.org
Cc: Reflector
Subject: Re: [HCARC] Crimped vs Soldered Coax Connectors??

Again guys - I am approaching much of this from the standpoint of the NEW
guy, just starting out and without a large investment in time, already made
up coax,  and the proverbial "parts box" full of PL-259/so-239 connectors,
UHF barrel connectors, etc.  I work with as many new guys as anyone in the
club.  To them it's a significant expense on top of everything else, and if
you remember I admitted I am one of those guys who still views proper
soldering as an art I haven't mastered yet.

Kerry - why 37 ohm for PL-259 - because that is the number I hear banty'd
around for them.  I think I am correct in 50 ohm for the N connector.  BTW,
you should be happy - you have almost converted me to the N whenever
possible.  That and all my Alpha-Delta surge suppressors have N connectors
so it doesn't make sense to work backwards.

Gary J
N5BAA

-----Original Message-----
From: kd5wdq .
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2014 8:33 PM
To: john at janeandjohn.org
Cc: Reflector
Subject: Re: [HCARC] Crimped vs Soldered Coax Connectors??

ThankYou Gary,

Its like putting _lipstick_ on a pig - it's STILL A PIG!
Crimp or solder, who cares! IT'S A PIG!

UHF to N adapters are cheap, adapt that UHF to something that works.
Again, it's the best one can do, given the equipment we have.

One also has to ask, how many NEW people have the soldering skills to do a
UHF right??  Seriously??  In fact, how many OLD timers have the skills to do
a UHF right?  Seen lots of experienced hams say they can do it right, and
it's not.  Had to replace all the UHF's at the NWS for that very reason -
experienced hams not able to solder.  (speaking of the orig. install of
coaxes at the NWS, was not around for that and ended up having to correct
all coaxes, and both ends.)

--eddie (AF5SA)

Did anyone REALLY read that URL I sent?  Want proof it's a pig, read the
network analysis graphs. (don't take my word.)

On Tue, Sep 23, 2014 at 7:11 PM, John Canfield <bucket at janeandjohn.org>
wrote:

> For HF use, the PL259 loss is inconsequential unless you are QRP.  UHF 
> - yup, use N connectors.
>
> John
> WB5THT
>
> On 9/23/2014 6:59 PM, Gary J - N5BAA wrote:
>
>> But John - guys like Kerry and Eddie the Weather guy, and I am sure 
>> more will tell you/me that Amphenol or not, PL-259's are a far 
>> inferior coupler to an N connector.
>>
>
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