Hi Dino,
I don't discourage anyone from using anything, just caution based on my
experience. We use not dozens, but thousands of the 2-piece N connectors
here and they are very much intended for solid conductor cable, per the
manufacturer's data sheet and UL safety recognition filing. And it is
absolutely possible, even likely, to push the center pin and its surrounding
dielectric completely out of the connector body if you:
-Use strong, stiff solid-conductor coax like 9913 or LMR400 (which actually,
are the suggested cable types for these connectors);
-Misalign the center conductor of the cable by even .030-.040", then screw
the connector body on to the coax with force;
-Bingo! You'll have a damaged-beyond-repair connector. I can make it
happen every time, if I intentionally misalign the conductor with the
connector pin.
BTW, the Andros 2-piece connectors have a large I.D. center pin that is most
appropriate for 9913/LMR400 type cables having the #9.5AWG center conductor;
the I.D. is too large for the #13AWG conductor of RG213/U or RG8A/U, and
leaves a substantial air gap between conductor and pin, which should be
filled with solder to take up the slack. Unfortunately, since this is a
blind-mate connector having only one very small solder hole in the pin, it
is difficult to get the solder to wick up much into that pin and fill this
void. As such, even Andros does not recommend the use of #13AWG cables in
these connectors.
73,
Steve WB2WIK/6
-----Original Message-----
From: Dino Darling [mailto:k6rix@earthlink.net]
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 9:03 AM
To: Steve Katz
Subject: PL-259 vs N
I disagree. I have installed these connectors without any problems. The
center pin can not be pushed out while inserting the coax. If you are
completely worried, try tinning the ends first.
Steve, I think it is a disservice to this group to discourage the use of
this connector or warn against its use. Care must be taken with ANY
installation and the difference between solid and stranded is only
that...stranded and solid!
(I'm leaving spaces here so you can see where my conversation ends and the
"copied" posts begin.)
Steve Katz said (its so hard to follow his replies sometimes)
> > //Bear in mind the two-piece "UHF-like" type N connectors are for use
with
> > solid center conductor cables only. The internal mate of cable
conductor
> > to center pin is a "blind" mate, that you cannot see, and the slightest
> > misalignment can cause bad results, e.g., having a strand bend and short
> > to the outer conductor, or with solid conductor lines, the center
> > conductor can push the connector center pin and dielectric out of
> > position, resulting in a useless connector. If you use them only with
> > solid conductor cables and care, they work fine; but the internal blind
> > mate has surely caused problems for many. -WB2WIK/6
>Dino said:
> > There is an N-Connector made by Andros that installs just like a PL-259!
> > http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/parts/4505.html
Dino...k6rix@earthlink.net
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