I'm not sure if this is the right place or not, but thought I'd ask because this is at least a feedline question. I have a number of SMA connectors in areas of my station like my RBN SDR and my N1MM
Hi Pete, Good SMA connectors are very reliable. They are used extensively in microwave test equipment as well as military and spaceflight hardware. The torque spec is typically between 5 to 8 in-lbs.
Thanks, guys - I wasn't aware of a torque standard - guess I've been spoiled by BNCs. 73, Pete N4ZR Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network web server at<https://reversebeacon.net>. For spots, pleas
First: hand tight is never reliable in my experience. Second: you can't just tighten them with a open end wrench, because too much torque can damage them. Third: Connecting two modules together using
Hi Pete. Have you considered using a tiny amount of Loctite 222 (purple) low strength on a small section of the threads?Bill W6RGS -- Original message --From: Pete Smith N4ZR <pete.n4zr@gmail.com> D
My first thought is/was that there might be some sort of conductive Loctite-equivalent that I could use. Nothing found so far. 73, Pete N4ZR Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network web server at<ht
I have a number of SMA connectors in areas of my station like my RBN SDR and my N1MM Spectrum Display. It seems like every few weeks I start running into problems, and have to go through and retight
73, Pete N4ZR Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network web server at<https://reversebeacon.net>. For spots, please use your favorite "retail" DX cluster. Not on the threads, but on the nut and either
It also occurs to me that that you are NOT depending on the threads for conductivity on a SMA connector. The shield connection is at the face of the threaded part of the jack, and a corresponding fac
A tiny blob of something really viscous (so it won't crawl up into the threads by capillary action) like 5 minute epoxy or JB weld would probably work. You could test it on a nut and bolt the same di
Another suggestion... A small drop of glue from a hot melt glue gun works fine based on my experience with a problematic connector (not an SMA) on a diesel engine. Since the material is not porous it
Nail polish is viscous and readily available, and easily removed with a solvent if needed. It's also not too brittle, so it won't crack with small loads. Also because it's solvent based, it tends to
There's conductive, and inductive. JB Weld contains iron, and is magnetic. It's comparable to the ferrite materials used in RF. A good dollop of that inside each connector will accomplish something.
I've found that red electric varnish is too brittle for sealing. Liquid electrical tape is what I would try. Firm but releases. Amazon Gardner Bender 07315001126 LTB-400 Liquid Electrical Tape A fine
Has anyone tried clear Gorilla Glue for this? I bought some to repair a fiberglass pole that I had accidentally driven over - don't ask. Worked great to impregnate some fiberglass tape laid on the
I always keep several bottles of dollar store nail polish around in the shop/shack. I use it to mark vacuum tubes in my Drake stuff, among other marking requirements. Especailly handy to mark/color c
Author: Gary NA6O via TowerTalk <towertalk@contesting.com>
Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2022 14:27:54 -0800
Ive worked on dozens of different airborne and army ground-mobile RF assemblies over my career, as well as poking my nose inside many pieces of commercial RF gear. SMA connectors were everywhere. NEV
Similar experience - I use a Pasternak PE5011-1 click wrench on SMA connectors and not have issues with a connector loosening. 73, Martin W2RWJ On 12/4/2022 5:27 PM, Gary NA6O via TowerTalk wrote: Iv
Author: GEO Badger via TowerTalk <towertalk@contesting.com>
Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2022 23:44:26 +0000 (UTC)
Do not put any adhesive on the threads. Do get a torque wrench, they won't go out of spec in your lifetime, or a 5/15" wrench to dedicate to your SMA use. Or a SMA finger wrench, https://www.rfcafe.
I agree, I cannot imagine wanting to Loctite or glue RF connectors. Start with high quality connectors from a brand name manufacture such as Amphenol. Make sure that they are properly installed on th