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BNC connector oddity on KX3

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rich hurd WC3T

BNC connector oddity on KX3

Hi,

I had an oddity with hooking an antenna to the BNC connector on my KX3 that
happened enough times to be chalked up to something other than random
chance. Looking for opinions on whether my solution aligned to your
experience(s).

I have a complete station - a KX3, a PX3, and a KXPA100. The KXPA100 is
connected via a Cables On Demand connector with a PL259 on one end and a
BNC connector on the other end. All other interface cables are Elecraft
standard.

This is NOT the first BNC connector that I've used. Prior to this last
acquisition I had a couple of other BNC to PL259 jumpers that I was using,
and the usual smattering of connectors and adapters in the junque box.

No matter which one I used, If I removed the BNC connector from the rig
(maybe to go portable, for example, or the last time it was because I
installed Eneloop Pro batteries to the internal battery holders) I would
put everything back together, and then would have severe - almost
debilitating - signal attenuation when I got the rig fired up. If I
twisted and spun the BNC connector on the jack, it would improve, and then
get bad again more often than not. It could take up to 20 minutes to get
everything "dialed in" so that the signal was appearing again. God help me
if I accidentally moved something after that. And of course, while all
this was happening the ATU was having fits, with 99:1 SWR readings and the
amp was going offline; all kinds of weirdnesses. After things calmed
down. the ATU behaved itself, the amp stopped being pouty, and all was then
good.

Thankfully, now that I have the Cables On Demand product, things seem to
have quieted down - although I still don't disconnect without provocation.
:) Though I'm desperately afraid of when I start to go mobile after the
snow melts and the weather gets nice again. :) Hope I can get my IC706
fixed and back in service as my base station before that occurs.

My question was going to be in desperation more than anything else if this
last cable didn't work, but thankfully, that's been the only cable vendor
that I trust for any of my specialized cables and they haven't failed me
even with this one.

Are BNC connectors that finicky? Is it possible that I just had a bad
batch of low quality jumpers? I'm just wondering if anyone else has had
excessive fiddling with their BNC connections.

---
72,
Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
PA Army MARS, Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer
for Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid:
*FN20is*
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RICHARD Martin

Re: BNC connector oddity on KX3

Sometimes the center pin of the male BNC will get pushed back into the
Teflon insulator. Run your thumb nail over the end of the connector. Your
nail should touch the end of the pin.

73's
Dick KN6AA

On Feb 19, 2018 08:55, "rich hurd WC3T" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I had an oddity with hooking an antenna to the BNC connector on my KX3 that
> happened enough times to be chalked up to something other than random
> chance. Looking for opinions on whether my solution aligned to your
> experience(s).
>
> I have a complete station - a KX3, a PX3, and a KXPA100. The KXPA100 is
> connected via a Cables On Demand connector with a PL259 on one end and a
> BNC connector on the other end. All other interface cables are Elecraft
> standard.
>
> This is NOT the first BNC connector that I've used. Prior to this last
> acquisition I had a couple of other BNC to PL259 jumpers that I was using,
> and the usual smattering of connectors and adapters in the junque box.
>
> No matter which one I used, If I removed the BNC connector from the rig
> (maybe to go portable, for example, or the last time it was because I
> installed Eneloop Pro batteries to the internal battery holders) I would
> put everything back together, and then would have severe - almost
> debilitating - signal attenuation when I got the rig fired up. If I
> twisted and spun the BNC connector on the jack, it would improve, and then
> get bad again more often than not. It could take up to 20 minutes to get
> everything "dialed in" so that the signal was appearing again. God help me
> if I accidentally moved something after that. And of course, while all
> this was happening the ATU was having fits, with 99:1 SWR readings and the
> amp was going offline; all kinds of weirdnesses. After things calmed
> down. the ATU behaved itself, the amp stopped being pouty, and all was then
> good.
>
> Thankfully, now that I have the Cables On Demand product, things seem to
> have quieted down - although I still don't disconnect without provocation.
> :) Though I'm desperately afraid of when I start to go mobile after the
> snow melts and the weather gets nice again. :) Hope I can get my IC706
> fixed and back in service as my base station before that occurs.
>
> My question was going to be in desperation more than anything else if this
> last cable didn't work, but thankfully, that's been the only cable vendor
> that I trust for any of my specialized cables and they haven't failed me
> even with this one.
>
> Are BNC connectors that finicky? Is it possible that I just had a bad
> batch of low quality jumpers? I'm just wondering if anyone else has had
> excessive fiddling with their BNC connections.
>
> ---
> 72,
> Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
> PA Army MARS, Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer
> for Scouting
> Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid:
> *FN20is*
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Ken G Kopp

Re: [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3

In reply to this post by rich hurd WC3T

Rich ...

Any chance you have one or more 72 ohm BNC connectors and/or adapters?

They -are- different than 50 ohm ones.

73!

Ken Kopp - K0PP

On Feb 19, 2018 09:55, "rich hurd WC3T [hidden email] [KX3]" <
[hidden email]> wrote:

>
>
> Hi,
>
> I had an oddity with hooking an antenna to the BNC connector on my KX3
> that happened enough times to be chalked up to something other than random
> chance. Looking for opinions on whether my solution aligned to your
> experience(s).
>
> I have a complete station - a KX3, a PX3, and a KXPA100. The KXPA100 is
> connected via a Cables On Demand connector with a PL259 on one end and a
> BNC connector on the other end. All other interface cables are Elecraft
> standard.
>
> This is NOT the first BNC connector that I've used. Prior to this last
> acquisition I had a couple of other BNC to PL259 jumpers that I was using,
> and the usual smattering of connectors and adapters in the junque box..
>
> No matter which one I used, If I removed the BNC connector from the rig
> (maybe to go portable, for example, or the last time it was because I
> installed Eneloop Pro batteries to the internal battery holders) I would
> put everything back together, and then would have severe - almost
> debilitating - signal attenuation when I got the rig fired up. If I
> twisted and spun the BNC connector on the jack, it would improve, and then
> get bad again more often than not. It could take up to 20 minutes to get
> everything "dialed in" so that the signal was appearing again. God help me
> if I accidentally moved something after that. And of course, while all
> this was happening the ATU was having fits, with 99:1 SWR readings and the
> amp was going offline; all kinds of weirdnesses. After things calmed
> down. the ATU behaved itself, the amp stopped being pouty, and all was then
> good.
>
> Thankfully, now that I have the Cables On Demand product, things seem to
> have quieted down - although I still don't disconnect without provocation.
> :) Though I'm desperately afraid of when I start to go mobile after the
> snow melts and the weather gets nice again. :) Hope I can get my IC706
> fixed and back in service as my base station before that occurs.
>
> My question was going to be in desperation more than anything else if this
> last cable didn't work, but thankfully, that's been the only cable vendor
> that I trust for any of my specialized cables and they haven't failed me
> even with this one.
>
> Are BNC connectors that finicky? Is it possible that I just had a bad
> batch of low quality jumpers? I'm just wondering if anyone else has had
> excessive fiddling with their BNC connections.
>
> ---
> 72,
> Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
> PA Army MARS, Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information
> Officer for Scouting
> Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W)
> Grid: *FN20is*
>
> __._,_.___
> ------------------------------
> Posted by: rich hurd WC3T <[hidden email]>
> ------------------------------
> Reply via web post
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rich hurd WC3T

Re: [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3

Well, if I did, then it's been placed into quarantine now. :) The
current jumper is 50 ohm, and it's working fine. I was just assuaging my
curiosity and wondering aloud if BNC connectors have that much variation.
The private and public comments I've gotten seem to say that this is the
case.

Thanks for writing.

On Mon, Feb 19, 2018 at 12:28 PM, Ken G Kopp <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Rich ...
>
> Any chance you have one or more 72 ohm BNC connectors and/or adapters?
>
> They -are- different than 50 ohm ones.
>
> 73!
>
> Ken Kopp - K0PP
>
> On Feb 19, 2018 09:55, "rich hurd WC3T [hidden email] [KX3]" <
> [hidden email]> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I had an oddity with hooking an antenna to the BNC connector on my KX3
>> that happened enough times to be chalked up to something other than random
>> chance. Looking for opinions on whether my solution aligned to your
>> experience(s).
>>
>> I have a complete station - a KX3, a PX3, and a KXPA100. The KXPA100 is
>> connected via a Cables On Demand connector with a PL259 on one end and a
>> BNC connector on the other end. All other interface cables are Elecraft
>> standard.
>>
>> This is NOT the first BNC connector that I've used. Prior to this last
>> acquisition I had a couple of other BNC to PL259 jumpers that I was using,
>> and the usual smattering of connectors and adapters in the junque box..
>>
>> No matter which one I used, If I removed the BNC connector from the rig
>> (maybe to go portable, for example, or the last time it was because I
>> installed Eneloop Pro batteries to the internal battery holders) I would
>> put everything back together, and then would have severe - almost
>> debilitating - signal attenuation when I got the rig fired up. If I
>> twisted and spun the BNC connector on the jack, it would improve, and then
>> get bad again more often than not. It could take up to 20 minutes to get
>> everything "dialed in" so that the signal was appearing again. God help me
>> if I accidentally moved something after that. And of course, while all
>> this was happening the ATU was having fits, with 99:1 SWR readings and the
>> amp was going offline; all kinds of weirdnesses. After things calmed
>> down. the ATU behaved itself, the amp stopped being pouty, and all was then
>> good.
>>
>> Thankfully, now that I have the Cables On Demand product, things seem to
>> have quieted down - although I still don't disconnect without provocation.
>> :) Though I'm desperately afraid of when I start to go mobile after
>> the snow melts and the weather gets nice again. :) Hope I can get my
>> IC706 fixed and back in service as my base station before that occurs.
>>
>> My question was going to be in desperation more than anything else if
>> this last cable didn't work, but thankfully, that's been the only cable
>> vendor that I trust for any of my specialized cables and they haven't
>> failed me even with this one.
>>
>> Are BNC connectors that finicky? Is it possible that I just had a bad
>> batch of low quality jumpers? I'm just wondering if anyone else has had
>> excessive fiddling with their BNC connections.
>>
>> ---
>> 72,
>> Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
>> PA Army MARS, Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information
>> Officer for Scouting
>> Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W)
>> Grid: *FN20is*
>>
>> __._,_.___
>> ------------------------------
>> Posted by: rich hurd WC3T <[hidden email]>
>> ------------------------------
>> Reply via web post
>> <https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/KX3/conversations/messages/63560;_ylc=X3oDMTJyNnU1ZHY4BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzc0NTIwOTQ3BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2MzEwOARtc2dJZAM2MzU2MARzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNycGx5BHN0aW1lAzE1MTkwNTkzMjI-?act=reply&messageNum=63560>
>> • Reply to sender
>> <[hidden email]?subject=Re%3A%20BNC%20connector%20oddity%20on%20KX3> • Reply
>> to group
>> <[hidden email]?subject=Re%3A%20BNC%20connector%20oddity%20on%20KX3>
>> • Start a New Topic
>> <https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/KX3/conversations/newtopic;_ylc=X3oDMTJmMGpsZnFyBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzc0NTIwOTQ3BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2MzEwOARzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNudHBjBHN0aW1lAzE1MTkwNTkzMjI->
>> • Messages in this topic
>> <https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/KX3/conversations/topics/63560;_ylc=X3oDMTM3aDBvZDF0BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzc0NTIwOTQ3BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2MzEwOARtc2dJZAM2MzU2MARzZWMDZnRyBHNsawN2dHBjBHN0aW1lAzE1MTkwNTkzMjIEdHBjSWQDNjM1NjA->
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>

--
---
72,
Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
PA Army MARS, Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer
for Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid:
*FN20is*
______________________________________________________________
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donovanf

Re: BNC connector oddity on KX3

In reply to this post by rich hurd WC3T

Hi Rich,

Your problem is almost certainly caused by using obsolete 75 ohm
BNC male connectors on your coaxial cables.

During the 1960s, the easiest way to manufacture 75 ohm BNC
connectors was to significantly reduce the center pin diameter from
the 0.053 +/- 0.001 inch diameter specified by M IL - C - 39012.
The problem is that the non-standard smaller pin does not fit properly
into 50 ohm sockets or modern 75 ohm sockets using the standard
0.053 inch center pin opening.

Modern 75 ohm BNC connectors now use the standard 0.053 inch
center pin diameter. Unfortunately some cheap import BNC connectors
and inter-series adapters still use non-standard small diameter center
pins.

If you have any obsolete 75 ohm BNC connectors (male or female)
its best to throw them in the trash before you accidentally introduce
them into your station, causing unreliability exactly as you describe
in your email.

Some readers will insist that BNC connectors were never manufactured
with small diameter pins, but I have a few that I keep on hand
-- that I clearly marked as "do not use" -- just to prove the point.

73
Frank
W3LPL

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

From: "rich hurd WC3T" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email], [hidden email]
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 4:54:37 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] BNC connector oddity on KX3

Hi,

I had an oddity with hooking an antenna to the BNC connector on my KX3 that
happened enough times to be chalked up to something other than random
chance. Looking for opinions on whether my solution aligned to your
experience(s).

I have a complete station - a KX3, a PX3, and a KXPA100. The KXPA100 is
connected via a Cables On Demand connector with a PL259 on one end and a
BNC connector on the other end. All other interface cables are Elecraft
standard.

This is NOT the first BNC connector that I've used. Prior to this last
acquisition I had a couple of other BNC to PL259 jumpers that I was using,
and the usual smattering of connectors and adapters in the junque box.

No matter which one I used, If I removed the BNC connector from the rig
(maybe to go portable, for example, or the last time it was because I
installed Eneloop Pro batteries to the internal battery holders) I would
put everything back together, and then would have severe - almost
debilitating - signal attenuation when I got the rig fired up. If I
twisted and spun the BNC connector on the jack, it would improve, and then
get bad again more often than not. It could take up to 20 minutes to get
everything "dialed in" so that the signal was appearing again. God help me
if I accidentally moved something after that. And of course, while all
this was happening the ATU was having fits, with 99:1 SWR readings and the
amp was going offline; all kinds of weirdnesses. After things calmed
down. the ATU behaved itself, the amp stopped being pouty, and all was then
good.

Thankfully, now that I have the Cables On Demand product, things seem to
have quieted down - although I still don't disconnect without provocation.
:) Though I'm desperately afraid of when I start to go mobile after the
snow melts and the weather gets nice again. :) Hope I can get my IC706
fixed and back in service as my base station before that occurs.

My question was going to be in desperation more than anything else if this
last cable didn't work, but thankfully, that's been the only cable vendor
that I trust for any of my specialized cables and they haven't failed me
even with this one.

Are BNC connectors that finicky? Is it possible that I just had a bad
batch of low quality jumpers? I'm just wondering if anyone else has had
excessive fiddling with their BNC connections.

---
72,
Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
PA Army MARS, Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer
for Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid:
*FN20is*
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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George Danner-2

Re: [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3

In reply to this post by rich hurd WC3T

Ken & Rich,
As a broadcaster, we used hundreds even thousands of BNC video cables - they
are no more finicky then another RF coax cable until you get to hard line or
Helix (which are bullet proof in N, UHF or EIA).

Unless the cable has an improperly installed connector or the cable is
damaged, then and the BNC connection becomes intermittent it is usually
because the female has become spread out. The solution is to just tighten it
with a fine pick. We used solder picks but a dental pick is even better or a
small pocket knife.

I had that problem with my P3 using the factory cable. Elecraft replaced the
cable. Then replacement cable became intermittent. I tightened the female
pins. Haven't had an issue since. My P3 was ordered as soon as the P3-kit
was announced. I should have remembered the issue before bothering Elecraft.

Long ago - when we first started using BNC connectors instead of PL259 for
video we discovered the hard way that you should not intermix 50 ohm & 75
ohm BNC male connectors in the plant. Prior to that time we only used BNC
for RF; so our connectors were 50 ohm. We had ended up with both types in
the BNC bin.
We weren't the only station to trouble shoot this issue. It was a problem we
discovered along with many other engineering departments.

The good news is that the male center pin on BNC cables have been
standardized to eliminate the issue; but cable assemblies with the smaller
center pin are still out there.
We had a home made gauge that we used when we changed brands or part numbers
ordering BNC male connectors just to be sure.

73
George AI4VZ

-----Original Message-----
From: rich hurd WC3T
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 12:51 PM
To: Ken G Kopp
Cc: Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3

Well, if I did, then it's been placed into quarantine now. :)
> Rich ...
>
> Any chance you have one or more 72 ohm BNC connectors and/or adapters?
>
> They -are- different than 50 ohm ones.
>
> 73!
>
> Ken Kopp - K0PP

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Re: [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3

In reply to this post by rich hurd WC3T

Hi all,
I have found that over the years the female BNC has a fatigue problem. That is, the fingers of the either 2 way or 4 way mating receptical relax and spread apart. Takes a keen eye to see it, but it does happen. Most of the mating recepticals can be reshaped to the original tight fit, some of the imports are not that good. When I find them now I replace them.
Mel, K6KBE

From: "'Dale Parfitt' [hidden email] [KX3]" <[hidden email]>
To: "'Chris Cox, N0UK'" <[hidden email]>; 'rich hurd WC3T' <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 11:59 AM
Subject: RE: [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3

The center pin on 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm BNC’s has been identical for perhaps 20 years. The 75 Ohm impedance is now attained through modification of the connector’s dielectric structure. Regards, Dale W4OP From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of 'Chris Cox, N0UK' [hidden email] [KX3]
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 12:29 PM
To: rich hurd WC3T
Cc: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3 Not saying this IS the problem but i fth emale BNC plug is a 75 ohm
connector, its centre pin will be a narrower diameter and may only be
making intermittent contact with the female socket on the KX3.

--
73 Chris Cox, N0UK, G4JEC
[hidden email]

On Mon, 19 Feb 2018, rich hurd WC3T [hidden email] [KX3] wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I had an oddity with hooking an antenna to the BNC connector on my KX3 that
> happened enough times to be chalked up to something other than random
> chance. Looking for opinions on whether my solution aligned to your
> experience(s).
>
> I have a complete station - a KX3, a PX3, and a KXPA100. The KXPA100 is
> connected via a Cables On Demand connector with a PL259 on one end and a
> BNC connector on the other end. All other interface cables are Elecraft
> standard.
>
> This is NOT the first BNC connector that I've used. Prior to this last
> acquisition I had a couple of other BNC to PL259 jumpers that I was using,
> and the usual smattering of connectors and adapters in the junque box.
>
> No matter which one I used, If I removed the BNC connector from the rig
> (maybe to go portable, for example, or the last time it was because I
> installed Eneloop Pro batteries to the internal battery holders) I would
> put everything back together, and then would have severe - almost
> debilitating - signal attenuation when I got the rig fired up. If I
> twisted and spun the BNC connector on the jack, it would improve, and then
> get bad again more often than not. It could take up to 20 minutes to get
> everything "dialed in" so that the signal was appearing again. God help me
> if I accidentally moved something after that. And of course, while all
> this was happening the ATU was having fits, with 99:1 SWR readings and the
> amp was going offline; all kinds of weirdnesses. After things calmed
> down. the ATU behaved itself, the amp stopped being pouty, and all was then
> good.
>
> Thankfully, now that I have the Cables On Demand product, things seem to
> have quieted down - although I still don't disconnect without provocation.
> :) Though I'm desperately afraid of when I start to go mobile after the
> snow melts and the weather gets nice again. :) Hope I can get my IC706
> fixed and back in service as my base station before that occurs.
>
> My question was going to be in desperation more than anything else if this
> last cable didn't work, but thankfully, that's been the only cable vendor
> that I trust for any of my specialized cables and they haven't failed me
> even with this one.
>
> Are BNC connectors that finicky? Is it possible that I just had a bad
> batch of low quality jumpers? I'm just wondering if anyone else has had
> excessive fiddling with their BNC connections.
>
> ---
> 72,
> Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
> PA Army MARS, Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer
> for Scouting
> Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75..288988 (40Â°45.68' N 75Â°17.33' W) Grid:
> *FN20is*
> __._,_.___ Posted by: "Dale Parfitt" <[hidden email]>

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n0uk

Re: [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3

In reply to this post by rich hurd WC3T

donovanf

Re: [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3

If only Dale's comment were true...

As far as I know all 75 ohm BNC connectors made in the USA use
the correct diameter center pin.

However...

This is NOT true for many import connectors and adapters, even
modern high bandwidth 75 ohm import connectors often have serious
design and quality control problems. I've found three categories of
serious reliability problems with import 75 ohm BNC connectors
and adapters.

- much smaller center pin diameter, they're copies of 40 year old
obsolete "made in USA" 75 ohm BNC connectors

- center pin slightly too small in diameter -- a quality control or
manufacturing problem that causes unreliable connections.

- tapered center pin with incorrect diameter over most of its length
that causes unreliable connections

Don't believe me? I have modern import connectors with all three
types of problems.

73
Frank
W3LPL

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

From: "Chris Cox, N0UK" <[hidden email]>
To: "Dale Parfitt" <[hidden email]>
Cc: "Chris Cox, N0UK" <[hidden email]>, [hidden email], [hidden email]
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2018 4:25:15 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3

Indeed - i didn't know that. Thanks for the info, Dale.

SO, if you have an OLD 75 Ohm BNC plug... :-)
--
73 Chris Cox, N0UK, G4JEC
[hidden email]

On Mon, 19 Feb 2018, Dale Parfitt wrote:

> The center pin on 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm BNC’s has been identical for perhaps 20
> years. The 75 Ohm impedance is now attained through modification of the
> connector’s dielectric structure.
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
>
>
> Dale W4OP
>
>
>
> From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of 'Chris
> Cox, N0UK' [hidden email] [KX3]
> Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 12:29 PM
> To: rich hurd WC3T
> Cc: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3
>
>
>
>
>
> Not saying this IS the problem but i fth emale BNC plug is a 75 ohm
> connector, its centre pin will be a narrower diameter and may only be
> making intermittent contact with the female socket on the KX3.
>
> --
> 73 Chris Cox, N0UK, G4JEC
> [hidden email]
>
> On Mon, 19 Feb 2018, rich hurd WC3T [hidden email] [KX3] wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > I had an oddity with hooking an antenna to the BNC connector on my KX3
> that
> > happened enough times to be chalked up to something other than random
> > chance. Looking for opinions on whether my solution aligned to your
> > experience(s).
> >
> > I have a complete station - a KX3, a PX3, and a KXPA100. The KXPA100 is
> > connected via a Cables On Demand connector with a PL259 on one end and a
> > BNC connector on the other end. All other interface cables are Elecraft
> > standard.
> >
> > This is NOT the first BNC connector that I've used. Prior to this last
> > acquisition I had a couple of other BNC to PL259 jumpers that I was using,
> > and the usual smattering of connectors and adapters in the junque box.
> >
> > No matter which one I used, If I removed the BNC connector from the rig
> > (maybe to go portable, for example, or the last time it was because I
> > installed Eneloop Pro batteries to the internal battery holders) I would
> > put everything back together, and then would have severe - almost
> > debilitating - signal attenuation when I got the rig fired up. If I
> > twisted and spun the BNC connector on the jack, it would improve, and then
> > get bad again more often than not. It could take up to 20 minutes to get
> > everything "dialed in" so that the signal was appearing again. God help me
> > if I accidentally moved something after that. And of course, while all
> > this was happening the ATU was having fits, with 99:1 SWR readings and the
> > amp was going offline; all kinds of weirdnesses. After things calmed
> > down. the ATU behaved itself, the amp stopped being pouty, and all was
> then
> > good.
> >
> > Thankfully, now that I have the Cables On Demand product, things seem to
> > have quieted down - although I still don't disconnect without provocation.
> > :) Though I'm desperately afraid of when I start to go mobile after the
> > snow melts and the weather gets nice again. :) Hope I can get my IC706
> > fixed and back in service as my base station before that occurs.
> >
> > My question was going to be in desperation more than anything else if this
> > last cable didn't work, but thankfully, that's been the only cable vendor
> > that I trust for any of my specialized cables and they haven't failed me
> > even with this one.
> >
> > Are BNC connectors that finicky? Is it possible that I just had a bad
> > batch of low quality jumpers? I'm just wondering if anyone else has had
> > excessive fiddling with their BNC connections.
> >
> > ---
> > 72,
> > Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
> > PA Army MARS, Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information
> Officer
> > for Scouting
> > Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40Â°45.68' N 75Â°17.33' W)
> Grid:
> > *FN20is*
> >
>
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Ronnie Hull

Re: [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3

Ditto Frank
I work in the communications industry and he BNC ODDITY BUG has bitten my butt more than once!!

Ronnie W5SUM

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 21, 2018, at 3:14 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
> If only Dale's comment were true...
>
>
> As far as I know all 75 ohm BNC connectors made in the USA use
> the correct diameter center pin.
>
>
> However...
>
>
> This is NOT true for many import connectors and adapters, even
> modern high bandwidth 75 ohm import connectors often have serious
> design and quality control problems. I've found three categories of
> serious reliability problems with import 75 ohm BNC connectors
> and adapters.
>
>
> - much smaller center pin diameter, they're copies of 40 year old
> obsolete "made in USA" 75 ohm BNC connectors
>
>
> - center pin slightly too small in diameter -- a quality control or
> manufacturing problem that causes unreliable connections.
>
>
> - tapered center pin with incorrect diameter over most of its length
> that causes unreliable connections
>
>
> Don't believe me? I have modern import connectors with all three
> types of problems.
>
>
> 73
> Frank
> W3LPL
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> From: "Chris Cox, N0UK" <[hidden email]>
> To: "Dale Parfitt" <[hidden email]>
> Cc: "Chris Cox, N0UK" <[hidden email]>, [hidden email], [hidden email]
> Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2018 4:25:15 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3
>
> Indeed - i didn't know that. Thanks for the info, Dale.
>
> SO, if you have an OLD 75 Ohm BNC plug... :-)
> --
> 73 Chris Cox, N0UK, G4JEC
> [hidden email]
>
>> On Mon, 19 Feb 2018, Dale Parfitt wrote:
>>
>> The center pin on 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm BNC’s has been identical for perhaps 20
>> years. The 75 Ohm impedance is now attained through modification of the
>> connector’s dielectric structure.
>>
>>
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>>
>>
>> Dale W4OP
>>
>>
>>
>> From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of 'Chris
>> Cox, N0UK' [hidden email] [KX3]
>> Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 12:29 PM
>> To: rich hurd WC3T
>> Cc: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: [KX3] BNC connector oddity on KX3
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Not saying this IS the problem but i fth emale BNC plug is a 75 ohm
>> connector, its centre pin will be a narrower diameter and may only be
>> making intermittent contact with the female socket on the KX3.
>>
>> --
>> 73 Chris Cox, N0UK, G4JEC
>> [hidden email]
>>
>>> On Mon, 19 Feb 2018, rich hurd WC3T [hidden email] [KX3] wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> I had an oddity with hooking an antenna to the BNC connector on my KX3
>> that
>>> happened enough times to be chalked up to something other than random
>>> chance. Looking for opinions on whether my solution aligned to your
>>> experience(s).
>>>
>>> I have a complete station - a KX3, a PX3, and a KXPA100. The KXPA100 is
>>> connected via a Cables On Demand connector with a PL259 on one end and a
>>> BNC connector on the other end. All other interface cables are Elecraft
>>> standard.
>>>
>>> This is NOT the first BNC connector that I've used. Prior to this last
>>> acquisition I had a couple of other BNC to PL259 jumpers that I was using,
>>> and the usual smattering of connectors and adapters in the junque box.
>>>
>>> No matter which one I used, If I removed the BNC connector from the rig
>>> (maybe to go portable, for example, or the last time it was because I
>>> installed Eneloop Pro batteries to the internal battery holders) I would
>>> put everything back together, and then would have severe - almost
>>> debilitating - signal attenuation when I got the rig fired up. If I
>>> twisted and spun the BNC connector on the jack, it would improve, and then
>>> get bad again more often than not. It could take up to 20 minutes to get
>>> everything "dialed in" so that the signal was appearing again. God help me
>>> if I accidentally moved something after that. And of course, while all
>>> this was happening the ATU was having fits, with 99:1 SWR readings and the
>>> amp was going offline; all kinds of weirdnesses. After things calmed
>>> down. the ATU behaved itself, the amp stopped being pouty, and all was
>> then
>>> good.
>>>
>>> Thankfully, now that I have the Cables On Demand product, things seem to
>>> have quieted down - although I still don't disconnect without provocation.
>>> :) Though I'm desperately afraid of when I start to go mobile after the
>>> snow melts and the weather gets nice again. :) Hope I can get my IC706
>>> fixed and back in service as my base station before that occurs.
>>>
>>> My question was going to be in desperation more than anything else if this
>>> last cable didn't work, but thankfully, that's been the only cable vendor
>>> that I trust for any of my specialized cables and they haven't failed me
>>> even with this one.
>>>
>>> Are BNC connectors that finicky? Is it possible that I just had a bad
>>> batch of low quality jumpers? I'm just wondering if anyone else has had
>>> excessive fiddling with their BNC connections.
>>>
>>> ---
>>> 72,
>>> Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
>>> PA Army MARS, Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information
>> Officer
>>> for Scouting
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rich hurd WC3T

Re: BNC connector oddity on KX3

In reply to this post by rich hurd WC3T

Okay, so I took the plunge and disconnected the KX3 to take with me on
vacation. Hooking it back up proved to be a tad problematic - SWRs of
25:1 and no signals from any bands, anywhere. I'm now working through what
options I have, starting with checking female connector deformation and
doing what I can to examine oxidation, and general quarrantining of wires
and connectors.

I also wrote to Elecraft to get a quote for a replacement BNC connector
with the LPF installed - worst case is I'll just start over again with a
new chassis connector.

Ain't radio fun? :)

On Mon, Feb 19, 2018 at 11:54 AM, rich hurd WC3T <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I had an oddity with hooking an antenna to the BNC connector on my KX3
> that happened enough times to be chalked up to something other than random
> chance. Looking for opinions on whether my solution aligned to your
> experience(s).
>
> I have a complete station - a KX3, a PX3, and a KXPA100. The KXPA100 is
> connected via a Cables On Demand connector with a PL259 on one end and a
> BNC connector on the other end. All other interface cables are Elecraft
> standard.
>
> This is NOT the first BNC connector that I've used. Prior to this last
> acquisition I had a couple of other BNC to PL259 jumpers that I was using,
> and the usual smattering of connectors and adapters in the junque box.
>
> No matter which one I used, If I removed the BNC connector from the rig
> (maybe to go portable, for example, or the last time it was because I
> installed Eneloop Pro batteries to the internal battery holders) I would
> put everything back together, and then would have severe - almost
> debilitating - signal attenuation when I got the rig fired up. If I
> twisted and spun the BNC connector on the jack, it would improve, and then
> get bad again more often than not. It could take up to 20 minutes to get
> everything "dialed in" so that the signal was appearing again. God help me
> if I accidentally moved something after that. And of course, while all
> this was happening the ATU was having fits, with 99:1 SWR readings and the
> amp was going offline; all kinds of weirdnesses. After things calmed
> down. the ATU behaved itself, the amp stopped being pouty, and all was then
> good.
>
> Thankfully, now that I have the Cables On Demand product, things seem to
> have quieted down - although I still don't disconnect without provocation.
> :) Though I'm desperately afraid of when I start to go mobile after the
> snow melts and the weather gets nice again. :) Hope I can get my IC706
> fixed and back in service as my base station before that occurs.
>
> My question was going to be in desperation more than anything else if this
> last cable didn't work, but thankfully, that's been the only cable vendor
> that I trust for any of my specialized cables and they haven't failed me
> even with this one.
>
> Are BNC connectors that finicky? Is it possible that I just had a bad
> batch of low quality jumpers? I'm just wondering if anyone else has had
> excessive fiddling with their BNC connections.
>
> ---
> 72,
> Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
> PA Army MARS, Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information
> Officer for Scouting
> Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W)
> Grid: *FN20is*
>
>

--
72,
Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
PA Army MARS, Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer
for Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid:
*FN20is*
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Grant Youngman-2

Re: BNC connector oddity on KX3

So was the antenna and related cabling/connectors good as verified by your analyzer at the point of the radio connection? In some 60 years of doing this, I have yet to find the radio to be the problem when it tells me it’s looking into high SWR. There’s a first time for everything, course :-)

> On Mar 8, 2018, at 2:23 PM, rich hurd WC3T <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Okay, so I took the plunge and disconnected the KX3 to take with me on
> vacation. Hooking it back up proved to be a tad problematic - SWRs of
> 25:1 and no signals from any bands, anywhere. I'm now working through what
> options I have, starting with checking female connector deformation and
> doing what I can to examine oxidation, and general quarrantining of wires
> and connectors.
>
> I also wrote to Elecraft to get a quote for a replacement BNC connector
> with the LPF installed - worst case is I'll just start over again with a
> new chassis connector.
>
> Ain't radio fun? :)
>

Grant NQ5T
K3 #2091, KX3 #8342

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rich hurd WC3T

Re: BNC connector oddity on KX3

I have three more days of checking various configurations including binding
post antennas, end fed half waves, opening the damn thing up... Thanks
all for the suggestions.

On Thu, Mar 8, 2018 at 2:50 PM, Walter Underwood <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> Open it up and make sure that the antenna connector is securely connected
> to the ATU board.
>
> wunder
> K6WRU
> Walter Underwood
> CM87wj
> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
>
> > On Mar 8, 2018, at 11:46 AM, GRANT YOUNGMAN <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
> >
> > So was the antenna and related cabling/connectors good as verified by
> your analyzer at the point of the radio connection? In some 60 years of
> doing this, I have yet to find the radio to be the problem when it tells me
> it’s looking into high SWR. There’s a first time for everything, course :-)
> >
> >
> >> On Mar 8, 2018, at 2:23 PM, rich hurd WC3T <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >>
> >> Okay, so I took the plunge and disconnected the KX3 to take with me on
> >> vacation. Hooking it back up proved to be a tad problematic - SWRs of
> >> 25:1 and no signals from any bands, anywhere. I'm now working through
> what
> >> options I have, starting with checking female connector deformation and
> >> doing what I can to examine oxidation, and general quarrantining of
> wires
> >> and connectors.
> >>
> >> I also wrote to Elecraft to get a quote for a replacement BNC connector
> >> with the LPF installed - worst case is I'll just start over again with a
> >> new chassis connector.
> >>
> >> Ain't radio fun? :)
> >>
> >
> > Grant NQ5T
> > K3 #2091, KX3 #8342
> >
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
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> ______________________________________________________________
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Don Wilhelm

Re: BNC connector oddity on KX3

Rich,

If the BNC connector rotates even a wee bit, that is the problem -
tighten the BNC jack. A good connection to the jack shell is required.
"Opening it up" is not a big deal - unless you have the 2 meter option -
just remove the bottom cover, no more complicated than changing batteries.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/8/2018 3:20 PM, rich hurd WC3T wrote:

> I have three more days of checking various configurations including binding
> post antennas, end fed half waves, opening the damn thing up... Thanks
> all for the suggestions.
>
> On Thu, Mar 8, 2018 at 2:50 PM, Walter Underwood <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
>
>> Open it up and make sure that the antenna connector is securely connected
>> to the ATU board.
>>
>> wunder
>> K6WRU
>> Walter Underwood
>> CM87wj
>> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
>>
>>> On Mar 8, 2018, at 11:46 AM, GRANT YOUNGMAN <[hidden email]>
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> So was the antenna and related cabling/connectors good as verified by
>> your analyzer at the point of the radio connection? In some 60 years of
>> doing this, I have yet to find the radio to be the problem when it tells me
>> it’s looking into high SWR. There’s a first time for everything, course :-)
>>>
>>>
>>>> On Mar 8, 2018, at 2:23 PM, rich hurd WC3T <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Okay, so I took the plunge and disconnected the KX3 to take with me on
>>>> vacation. Hooking it back up proved to be a tad problematic - SWRs of
>>>> 25:1 and no signals from any bands, anywhere. I'm now working through
>> what
>>>> options I have, starting with checking female connector deformation and
>>>> doing what I can to examine oxidation, and general quarrantining of
>> wires
>>>> and connectors.
>>>>
>>>> I also wrote to Elecraft to get a quote for a replacement BNC connector
>>>> with the LPF installed - worst case is I'll just start over again with a
>>>> new chassis connector.
>>>>
>>>> Ain't radio fun? :)
>>>>
>>>
>>> Grant NQ5T
>>> K3 #2091, KX3 #8342
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>
>
>

rich hurd WC3T

Re: BNC connector oddity on KX3

That's one thing I was able to check; connector is tightened securely on
the shell of the KX3. Thanks.

On Thu, Mar 8, 2018 at 3:44 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Rich,
>
> If the BNC connector rotates even a wee bit, that is the problem - tighten
> the BNC jack. A good connection to the jack shell is required.
> "Opening it up" is not a big deal - unless you have the 2 meter option -
> just remove the bottom cover, no more complicated than changing batteries.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 3/8/2018 3:20 PM, rich hurd WC3T wrote:
>
>> I have three more days of checking various configurations including
>> binding
>> post antennas, end fed half waves, opening the damn thing up... Thanks
>> all for the suggestions.
>>
>> On Thu, Mar 8, 2018 at 2:50 PM, Walter Underwood <[hidden email]>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Open it up and make sure that the antenna connector is securely connected
>>> to the ATU board.
>>>
>>> wunder
>>> K6WRU
>>> Walter Underwood
>>> CM87wj
>>> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
>>>
>>> On Mar 8, 2018, at 11:46 AM, GRANT YOUNGMAN <[hidden email]>
>>>>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> So was the antenna and related cabling/connectors good as verified by
>>>>
>>> your analyzer at the point of the radio connection? In some 60 years of
>>> doing this, I have yet to find the radio to be the problem when it tells
>>> me
>>> it’s looking into high SWR. There’s a first time for everything, course
>>> :-)
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Mar 8, 2018, at 2:23 PM, rich hurd WC3T <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Okay, so I took the plunge and disconnected the KX3 to take with me on
>>>>> vacation. Hooking it back up proved to be a tad problematic - SWRs of
>>>>> 25:1 and no signals from any bands, anywhere. I'm now working through
>>>>>
>>>> what
>>>
>>>> options I have, starting with checking female connector deformation and
>>>>> doing what I can to examine oxidation, and general quarrantining of
>>>>>
>>>> wires
>>>
>>>> and connectors.
>>>>>
>>>>> I also wrote to Elecraft to get a quote for a replacement BNC connector
>>>>> with the LPF installed - worst case is I'll just start over again with
>>>>> a
>>>>> new chassis connector.
>>>>>
>>>>> Ain't radio fun? :)
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> Grant NQ5T
>>>> K3 #2091, KX3 #8342
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>>
>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>>
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>
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>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>

Ignacy

Re: BNC connector oddity on KX3

I use many BNC connectors, some at KW level, and nearly all of them are good.
But occasionally some do not make a good contact and need to be thrown away
ASAP. The best way to check is to try another cable.

Recently I bought a large number of cheap RG-58 cables with BNC connectors
from showmecables.com. The cables turned out to be 60 Ohm and many
connectors are poor.

I like cables at hamfests from old professional equipment.

Ignacy, NO9E

--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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rich hurd WC3T

Re: BNC connector oddity on KX3

I've pretty much exhausted most of the permutations of my cables and
connectors. The only persistent behavior is that if I apply slight
pressure to the side of the BNC connector where it plugs into the jack on
the KX3, or sometimes if I twist it and then apply slight pressure just so,
I see a jump in the noise floor and instead of the internal ATU wearing
itself out and giving up with a 9:1 or 7:1 SWR, it immediately tunes to 1.0
or 1.1. I have removed/swapped all my the antenna leads. I have four of
them, all Cables On Demand (Amphenol) manufacture. I also have a number of
BNC to banana plug jacks, and even an MFJ-1899T. If I replace the leads
without doing the twisting-and-slight-pressure thing, I lose the RF
connection; the S meter has no indications on it, and the noise floor is
nonexistent.

As the old saw goes "The only common thing about all of your dysfunctional
relationships... is you." I can extrapolate that to "the only common
thing about all my poor connections is the BNC jack on the KX3." Yes, I
have cracked the case, confirmed that all connections are firmly seated;
all mechanical connections are sound and tightly made. I have a jeweler's
screwdriver that I have used to slightly bend the female 'fingers' in for a
better contact as well; they bend inward, and then spring back into place
again.

It's about time to consider a new jack. Frustrating, but I've now spent
three or so hours finagling this and given the bench rate of an RF tech,
I'm wasting money (and time.)

On Fri, Mar 9, 2018 at 10:32 AM, Ignacy <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I use many BNC connectors, some at KW level, and nearly all of them are
> good.
> But occasionally some do not make a good contact and need to be thrown away
> ASAP. The best way to check is to try another cable.
>
> Recently I bought a large number of cheap RG-58 cables with BNC connectors
> from showmecables.com. The cables turned out to be 60 Ohm and many
> connectors are poor.
>
> I like cables at hamfests from old professional equipment.
>
> Ignacy, NO9E
>
>
>
> --
> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Johan Ymerson

Re: BNC connector oddity on KX3

Unfortunately there are some really crappy (cheap) BNC connectors out there,
some with too large centre pins. Using one of those even once may be enought
to damage the female side :-(
So when you get a new female for your KX3, have a look at all your cables and
adapters and make sure all of them are good quality.

73 de Johan, SM0XHJ

On Friday, 9 March 2018 17:13:58 CET rich hurd WC3T wrote:

> I've pretty much exhausted most of the permutations of my cables and
> connectors. The only persistent behavior is that if I apply slight
> pressure to the side of the BNC connector where it plugs into the jack on
> the KX3, or sometimes if I twist it and then apply slight pressure just so,
> I see a jump in the noise floor and instead of the internal ATU wearing
> itself out and giving up with a 9:1 or 7:1 SWR, it immediately tunes to 1.0
> or 1.1. I have removed/swapped all my the antenna leads. I have four of
> them, all Cables On Demand (Amphenol) manufacture. I also have a number of
> BNC to banana plug jacks, and even an MFJ-1899T. If I replace the leads
> without doing the twisting-and-slight-pressure thing, I lose the RF
> connection; the S meter has no indications on it, and the noise floor is
> nonexistent.
>
> As the old saw goes "The only common thing about all of your dysfunctional
> relationships... is you." I can extrapolate that to "the only common
> thing about all my poor connections is the BNC jack on the KX3." Yes, I
> have cracked the case, confirmed that all connections are firmly seated;
> all mechanical connections are sound and tightly made. I have a jeweler's
> screwdriver that I have used to slightly bend the female 'fingers' in for a
> better contact as well; they bend inward, and then spring back into place
> again.
>
> It's about time to consider a new jack. Frustrating, but I've now spent
> three or so hours finagling this and given the bench rate of an RF tech,
> I'm wasting money (and time.)
>

Don Wilhelm

Re: BNC connector oddity on KX3

In reply to this post by rich hurd WC3T

Rich,

Since you have traced the problem to the contact between the female BNC
and the male (yes your twisting and applying pressure confirms that is
the problem).

It is entirely possible that if you had some old cables made with old 75
ohm BNC male connectors, that they could have enlarged the female pin
causing it to become marginal when used with the 50 ohm male connectors.

You may have success with a very slender tool to bend the 'fingers' of
the female connector toward the center, but the best cure is to replace
that connector.

Before we get into another long discussion of 50 ohm and 75 ohm center
pin diameters, let me say that modern BNCs use the same diameter center
pin for both.
That was not always true, so beware when buying older BNC jumpers at
hamfest flea markets - the old ones could be old 75 ohm BNCs with the
larger center pin. Those less than 10 or 15 years old are OK.
It may also be that *some* imported BNC connectors do not have the
proper diameter. For best results, buy only Amphenol connectors or
other trusted brands.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/9/2018 11:13 AM, rich hurd WC3T wrote:

rich hurd WC3T

Re: BNC connector oddity on KX3

Thanks Don; I remember that we went over this earlier in the thread.

Highly unlikely that I had legacy stuff as I became a ham in 2015 and
acquired most of my stuff new.

I am inclined to think that it was more possibly an out of spec 50 ohm
connector or a manufacturing defect. I've already worked on the finger
bending thing but I ageee that given my lack of success that I'd be best
served by spending the $47 and just buying a new assembly and replacing it.

I appreciate all the help and suggestions from all the Elecraft community.

On Fri, Mar 9, 2018 at 17:48 Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Rich,
>
> Since you have traced the problem to the contact between the female BNC
> and the male (yes your twisting and applying pressure confirms that is
> the problem).
>
> It is entirely possible that if you had some old cables made with old 75
> ohm BNC male connectors, that they could have enlarged the female pin
> causing it to become marginal when used with the 50 ohm male connectors.
>
> You may have success with a very slender tool to bend the 'fingers' of
> the female connector toward the center, but the best cure is to replace
> that connector.
>
> Before we get into another long discussion of 50 ohm and 75 ohm center
> pin diameters, let me say that modern BNCs use the same diameter center
> pin for both.
> That was not always true, so beware when buying older BNC jumpers at
> hamfest flea markets - the old ones could be old 75 ohm BNCs with the
> larger center pin. Those less than 10 or 15 years old are OK.
> It may also be that *some* imported BNC connectors do not have the
> proper diameter. For best results, buy only Amphenol connectors or
> other trusted brands.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 3/9/2018 11:13 AM, rich hurd WC3T wrote:
> > I've pretty much exhausted most of the permutations of my cables and
> > connectors. The only persistent behavior is that if I apply slight
> > pressure to the side of the BNC connector where it plugs into the jack on
> > the KX3, or sometimes if I twist it and then apply slight pressure just
> so,
> > I see a jump in the noise floor and instead of the internal ATU wearing
> > itself out and giving up with a 9:1 or 7:1 SWR, it immediately tunes to
> 1.0
> > or 1.1. I have removed/swapped all my the antenna leads. I have four
> of
> > them, all Cables On Demand (Amphenol) manufacture. I also have a number
> of
> > BNC to banana plug jacks, and even an MFJ-1899T. If I replace the leads
> > without doing the twisting-and-slight-pressure thing, I lose the RF
> > connection; the S meter has no indications on it, and the noise floor is
> > nonexistent.
> >
>