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Drew AF2Z

Re: Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

Similar experience here: threading defect.

Amphenol is an offshore product. Need I say more? Only this-- make sure
to test the threading & fit of the plugs on your equipment sockets
*before* soldering them to cables.

73,
Drew
AF2Z

On 07/29/20 14:25, Arliss wrote:

> Except that several REAL Amphenol UHF connectors I ordered, which
> arrived in sealed plastic bags, had no threads on the inside of the
> coupling rings. The remainder of the connectors in the shipment were
> just fine.
>
> 73, Arliss W7XU
>
>
> On 7/29/2020 1:32 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>> On 7/29/2020 11:21 AM, Walter Underwood wrote:
>>> That is exactly why I consider UHF connectors to be a poor design.
>>
>> There's nothing wrong with REAL UHF connectors, like Amphenol
>> 83-1SP, and surplus adapters stamped with MIL spec numbers. It's
>> the cheap junk connectors that cause the problems. My definition
>> of a junk connector (in North America) is one that doesn't carry
>> an Amphenol part number or MIL-spec number.
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
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George Danner-2

Re: Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

Bill,
Looks very similar.
73
George AI4VZ

On 7/29/20 3:21 PM, William Hammond wrote:

> Perhaps looking something like this one (BNC)?
> https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=6510
> <https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=6510>
>
> 73, Bill-AK5X
>
>> On Jul 29, 2020, at 2:02 PM, George Danner <[hidden email]
>> <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>>
>> Andy,
>>
>> In the 60s & 70s, we had a screwdriver like tool for removing and
>> inserting PL-259 connectors in patch-bays in TV stations

Bill Frantz

Re: Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

In reply to this post by W3LPL

As someone who is currently switching bands by going outside and
replugging PL259s, I fully agree that other connectors, e.g. BNC
would be nicer.

I have gotten in the habit of skipping pulling out my LeatherMan
and instead joining the connection to the point where I can feel
the teeth engaging and there is still some slop in the
connection. I then gently work the two connectors together,
trying to move them back and fourth until there is no slop and
the connection is solid. It does seem to work.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 7/29/20 at 2:21 PM, [hidden email] (Walter Underwood) wrote:

>>On Jul 29, 2020, at 9:49 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
>>
>>Unlike N and BNC connectors, a PL-259 is dependent on proper
>>engagement of its outer shell and interconnecting teeth to the
>>mating SO-239 socket.
>
>That is exactly why I consider UHF connectors to be a poor
>design. I use connectors which are designed to connect without
>special effort.
>Seriously, that is the main point of a connector, to connect.

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

In reply to this post by George Danner-2

Hi George, I was over program services in Dallas back in the 1970’s for Southwestern Bell. We provided the last mile for radio and TV remote operations. I spent more than a little time handing off our end. We also provided studio to transmitter links.

I saw that tool in use at just about all the outlets.

Good times!! I just lost my feed from CBS, help??

73, Bill-AK5X

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 29, 2020, at 3:59 PM, George Danner <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Bill,
> Looks very similar.
> 73
> George AI4VZ
>
> On 7/29/20 3:21 PM, William Hammond wrote:
>> Perhaps looking something like this one (BNC)? https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=6510
>>
>> 73, Bill-AK5X
>>
>>> On Jul 29, 2020, at 2:02 PM, George Danner <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> Andy,
>>>
>>> In the 60s & 70s, we had a screwdriver like tool for removing and inserting PL-259 connectors in patch-bays in TV stations
>

George M. Badger, III

Re: Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

In reply to this post by W3LPL

I would suggest NOT using metal tools to tighten/loosen PL-259
connectors. Too much of an opportunity to damage the connector.

The silicon "mat", for want of a better term, used to loosen jar lids is
the way to go. Cut a piece ~3"L X 1"W and you have a good method to "get
a grip" on the connector. This will work on numerous other connectors as
well.

---
73 de W3AB/GEO
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W3LPL

Re: Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

In reply to this post by Bill Frantz

Hi Bill,

Both N and BNC connectors have their own unique issues...

BNC connectors have rather poor shielding performance caused by
imperfect axial alignment and limited engagement pressure, both
of which are easily demonstrated by a VNA, especially above 20 MHz.

Both BNC and N connectors suffer from small center pin size and
weak center pin engagement pressure, both of which affect reliability
and power handling capability.

Don't even consider installing the long obsolete multi-part BNC
and N connectors with loose center pins requiring precise placement
and axial orientation. Very many of these obsolete connectors are improperly
installed by both hams and professionals. Modern BNC and N connectors
with captive center pins are much more reliable and less subject to
installation errors, although for some hams no job is so simple that
it cannot be done wrong.

73
Frank
W3LPL

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

From: "Bill Frantz" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2020 9:05:22 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

As someone who is currently switching bands by going outside and
replugging PL259s, I fully agree that other connectors, e.g. BNC
would be nicer.

I have gotten in the habit of skipping pulling out my LeatherMan
and instead joining the connection to the point where I can feel
the teeth engaging and there is still some slop in the
connection. I then gently work the two connectors together,
trying to move them back and fourth until there is no slop and
the connection is solid. It does seem to work.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 7/29/20 at 2:21 PM, [hidden email] (Walter Underwood) wrote:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz |The nice thing about standards| Periwinkle
(408)348-7900 |is there are so many to choose| 150
Rivermead Rd #235
www.pwpconsult.com |from. - Andrew Tanenbaum |
Peterborough, NH 03458

______________________________________________________________
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W3LPL

Re: Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

In reply to this post by Drew AF2Z

One Japanese antenna manufacturer -- years ago -- supplied their antenna
with a mating PL-259 with metric threads...

73
Frank
W3LPL

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

From: "Drew AF2Z" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2020 7:49:49 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

Similar experience here: threading defect.

Amphenol is an offshore product. Need I say more? Only this-- make sure
to test the threading & fit of the plugs on your equipment sockets
*before* soldering them to cables.

73,
Drew
AF2Z

On 07/29/20 14:25, Arliss wrote:

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Wes Stewart-2

Re: Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

Better than no threads at all:-)

Wes N7WS

On 7/29/2020 3:33 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
> One Japanese antenna manufacturer -- years ago -- supplied their antenna
> with a mating PL-259 with metric threads...
>
>
> 73
> Frank
> W3LPL
>

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Phil Kane-2

Re: Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

In reply to this post by George Danner-2

On 7/29/2020 12:02 PM, George Danner wrote:
>
> In the 60s & 70s, we had a screwdriver like tool for removing and
> inserting PL-259 connectors in patch-bays in TV stations. It was a
> screwdriver handle and shaft with a steel tube slightly smaller than the
> pl-259. The tube had a longitudinal slot that was big enough for the
> cable to slip through. The side of the tube away from the slot was
> welded to the screwdriver shaft.

That's a standard tool in the cable industry for installing and removing
"tamper-proof" F-connectors that have a shroud around them to prevent a
subscriber's fingers from loosening them. It also works on
non-"tamper-proof" connectors that are difficult to reach.
I have one in my collection.

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
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Jim Brown-10

Re: Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

In reply to this post by Arliss

On 7/29/2020 12:25 PM, Arliss wrote:
> Except that several REAL Amphenol UHF connectors I ordered, which
> arrived in sealed plastic bags, had no threads on the inside of the
> coupling rings. The remainder of the connectors in the shipment were
> just fine.

I've seen that too, no more than one bad one in a 100-pc order.

On 7/29/2020 12:49 PM, Drew AF2Z wrote:
> Amphenol is an offshore product.

So are Apple and Lenovo, both known for very good quality.

>Need I say more?

Maybe not say more, but definitely think more.

Here's a neat tool that neighbor W6GJB found several years ago. It's
great for tightening and loosening connectors in tight spaces, like the
entry panel in my shack exterior wall. It is equally useful for the few
N-connectors in my system.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YQ7RS1M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

73, Jim K9YC
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Ralph Parker-2

Re: Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

In reply to this post by W3LPL

>...several REAL Amphenol UHF connectors I ordered, which arrived in
sealed plastic bags, had no threads on the inside of the coupling rings.
The remainder of the connectors in the shipment were just fine.

I have a couple of those too. I thought they were a special push-on
version for temporary/emergency use, but I've never used them. (Haven't
had an emergency yet.) The center pin seems to fit fine.

VE7XF

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Drew AF2Z

Re: Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

Yes, Apple are also offshore products. As noted in recent report:

"Defective iPhone parts worth $43 million stolen, used to make new
iPhones ...The operation has reportedly been running for the past three
years. Workers would set aside defective parts for scrapping. However,
the components were later resold to a Taiwan business, raking in a hefty
sum of $43 million..."

Don't be surprised that defective PL259's somehow get "liberated" from
the offshore production facility and end up in your order.

73,
Drew
AF2Z

On 07/29/20 19:00, Jim Brown wrote:

> On 7/29/2020 12:25 PM, Arliss wrote:
>> Except that several REAL Amphenol UHF connectors I ordered, which
>> arrived in sealed plastic bags, had no threads on the inside of the
>> coupling rings. The remainder of the connectors in the shipment were
>> just fine.
>
> I've seen that too, no more than one bad one in a 100-pc order.
>
> On 7/29/2020 12:49 PM, Drew AF2Z wrote:
> > Amphenol is an offshore product.
>
> So are Apple and Lenovo, both known for very good quality.
>
> >Need I say more?
>
> Maybe not say more, but definitely think more.
>
> Here's a neat tool that neighbor W6GJB found several years ago. It's
> great for tightening and loosening connectors in tight spaces, like the
> entry panel in my shack exterior wall. It is equally useful for the few
> N-connectors in my system.
>
> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YQ7RS1M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
>
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
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John Hendricks-2

Re: Foot Switch Doesn't Work - Now Working

In reply to this post by kg6mzs

John K7JLT

On Wed, Jul 29, 2020, 7:56 AM kg6mzs <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hello Reflector,
>
> For absolutely no reason I can discern the footswitch is working this
> morning.
>
> While I am happy about that, I know that it just didn't start working
> because it "felt like it" like some woo woo types might suggest. I sure
> would like to know what the ghost in the machine really was.
>
> I guess we don't get to know everything.
>
> Thanks to all who took time to help me. I really appreciate it!
>
> 73 Eric KG6MZS
>
> On 7/29/20 5:54 AM, Andrew Hebden wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> > I went through something similar but it turned out to be the centre
> contact on the PTT IN phono socket in the K3S. I tested the voltage on the
> socket and everything seemed fine, also checked the cabling and microswitch
> on the foot switch. Upon further inspection it looked like the inner
> connection on the socket appeared to be splayed out slightly and just
> didn't make contact. In fairness I did get the odd occasion that it worked
> but was certainly not reliable. I had tried other phono plugs but to no
> avail.
> > Rather than open up the box I slightly squeezed the phono plug on the
> footswitch to an oval shape. Not had a problem since.
> > Must remember to fix the socket at some point.
> >
> > Andrew
> > G8BYB
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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Wes Stewart-2

Re: Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

In reply to this post by W3LPL

Actually, the VNA crowd is finding that BNC is an acceptable series for
precision work. DG5MK's FA-VA5 vector impedance meter has a BNC interface and
cal kits are available:

https://www.sdr-kits.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=66_91_94&product_id=181

There is also available a bracket for the DG8SAQ VNWA that converts the fragile
SMA to BNC. (I've lobbied to a type N version, but that has gone nowhere.)

https://www.sdr-kits.net/index.php?route=web/pages&page_id=86_86

Frankly (no pun intended) I've always been in the BNCs are iffy camp, but DK5MK
and OZ7OU are really sharp guys and are convincing me otherwise.

Wes N7WS

On 7/29/2020 3:23 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

> Hi Bill,
>
>
> Both N and BNC connectors have their own unique issues...
>
>
> BNC connectors have rather poor shielding performance caused by
> imperfect axial alignment and limited engagement pressure, both
> of which are easily demonstrated by a VNA, especially above 20 MHz.
>
>
> Both BNC and N connectors suffer from small center pin size and
> weak center pin engagement pressure, both of which affect reliability
> and power handling capability.
>
>
> Don't even consider installing the long obsolete multi-part BNC
> and N connectors with loose center pins requiring precise placement
> and axial orientation. Very many of these obsolete connectors are improperly
> installed by both hams and professionals. Modern BNC and N connectors
> with captive center pins are much more reliable and less subject to
> installation errors, although for some hams no job is so simple that
> it cannot be done wrong.
>
>
> 73
> Frank
> W3LPL
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> From: "Bill Frantz" <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2020 9:05:22 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement
>
> As someone who is currently switching bands by going outside and
> replugging PL259s, I fully agree that other connectors, e.g. BNC
> would be nicer.
>
> I have gotten in the habit of skipping pulling out my LeatherMan
> and instead joining the connection to the point where I can feel
> the teeth engaging and there is still some slop in the
> connection. I then gently work the two connectors together,
> trying to move them back and fourth until there is no slop and
> the connection is solid. It does seem to work.
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
> On 7/29/20 at 2:21 PM, [hidden email] (Walter Underwood) wrote:
>
>>> On Jul 29, 2020, at 9:49 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
>>>
>>> Unlike N and BNC connectors, a PL-259 is dependent on proper
>>> engagement of its outer shell and interconnecting teeth to the
>>> mating SO-239 socket.
>> That is exactly why I consider UHF connectors to be a poor
>> design. I use connectors which are designed to connect without
>> special effort.
>> Seriously, that is the main point of a connector, to connect.
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Bill Frantz |The nice thing about standards| Periwinkle
> (408)348-7900 |is there are so many to choose| 150
> Rivermead Rd #235
> www.pwpconsult.com |from. - Andrew Tanenbaum |
> Peterborough, NH 03458
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]