Both types become quite reliable when assembled with a high degree of care.
Large temperature variations/freezing can be a problem.
73
Bruce -k1fz
On Fri, 7 Dec 2018 09:37:42 -0500, MU 4CX250B <4cx250b@miamioh.edu> wrote:
Interesting discussion, and I appreciate the many viewpoints. One
consideration, when weighing N-connectors vs PL259s, is what happens
to the cable after the connector is attached. Nobody disputes that an
N-Connector properly installed on, e.g. a length of Heliax running up
the side of a commercial broadcast tower, will be reliable and trouble
free. The manufacturer (Andrew) supplies detailed instructions and a
little kit of accessories (e.g. a length of thick wall heat shrink
tuning, silicone wrap, etc.) to do the job.
By contrast, most coax cable connectors used by hams are attached and
unscrewed many times, are flexed and yanked on and twisted, and are
often installed by relatively inexperienced people using whatever
tools are on hand. To me, the PL259 seems better suited for that sort
of usage. Despite its flaws, it is just more tolerent of error and
abuse.
73,
Jim w8zr
Sent from my iPhone
> On Dec 7, 2018, at 7:04 AM, Bruce wrote:
>
> I worked in the commercial/industrial radio and broadcasting for 40 plus
> years. While it it true that type-n is mostly used, we must remember that
> hams deal with high power and high SWR sometimes, both are not type-N strong
> points because of the small pin used in type-N can not handle the high
> current caused by SWR and high power as well as the thicker pin used in a
> PL259.
>
> 73, Bruce, W8HW
>
> =================================
>
>> On 12/7/2018 8:33 AM, Cecil Acuff wrote:
>> That crazy....I’m in the utility industry and Andrew LDF cable terminated
>> with Type N connectors by the thousands, outside for years and no issues.
>> Many with the old solder on type N connectors for 1/2” and more recently the
>> newer simplified ring stop connectors and no problems for either.
>>
>> For years I was opposed to any connector that was not soldered but after 10+
>> years of using the newer no solder type connectors in just about every
>> imaginable situation There have been zero problems. They sweep just as good
>> as any soldered connector. The key is proper cable prep using the Andrew
>> prep tools. Or if using a Times Microwave LMR cable their prep tools. The
>> dimensions have to be correct. You really can’t put these things on with a
>> gustimate and your pocket knife like the PL-259’s
>>
>> If cold weather caused a pull back it’s my opinion the center pin was
>> probably recessed all along and the tiny change from temps caused it to open
>> up.
>>
>> For Amateur use the PL-259 is not a bad connector but I rarely see them
>> installed correctly either...the key problem is in the handling of the
>> shield. Folding it back and screwing the connector down on it is bad
>> practice and will lead to problems and possibly intermod issues.
>>
>> You just don’t find the PL-259 used in commercial/industrial radio
>> systems....must be a good reason.
>>
>> Cecil
>> K5DL
>>
>> Sent using recycled electrons.
>>
>>> On Dec 6, 2018, at 11:23 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:
>>>
>>> I agree with Rick,
>>>
>>> If an N connector is not designed to fix the relationship of the center pin
>>> (soldered to the center conductor) to the body it should not be used
>>> outdoors or on long runs of unburied coax exposed to full seasonal
>>> temperatures.
>>>
>>> I learned that the hard way on unfixed pin N connectors terminating 230
>>> foot runs of LDF4-50A at my tower. Of course it happened on the 40 meter
>>> line on a particularly cold Saturday night in the CW SS . Had to
>>> repair/resolder on the tower by flashlight in 25 degree weather. The next
>>> summer after removing the up-tower flexible coax it wouldn’t reconnect
>>> completely. The pin was now out too far.
>>>
>>> These days I am terminating my LDF4-50A with Andrew L44P UHF male
>>> connectors, or dressing the cable and soldering it directly into the
>>> terminating circuit.
>>>
>>> The male pin in a UHF connector has enough overlap with the female receptor
>>> that a certain amount of temperature induced movement will no longer break
>>> the connection.
>>>
>>> 73, Guy K2AV
>>>
>>>> On Thu, Dec 6, 2018 at 10:48 PM Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote:
>>>> I used to have many coax cables with factory installed type N
>>>> connectors. Virtually all of them have sooner or later
>>>> suffered from the center conductor pins either retracting or
>>>> extending outward over time. Once the pin moves far enough
>>>> either in or out, the connector will no longer mate. I have
>>>> been able to temporarily rehabilitate some cables with the
>>>> retraction failure by pulling on the center pin with vise
>>>> grips. If they overextend, there is no way AFAIK to fix
>>>> them besides replacing the connectors. Evidentally,
>>>> none of these cables used connectors with a captivated
>>>> center conductor. I have seen this in coiled up coax,
>>>> coax hanging from a tower, and coax just laying on
>>>> the ground. Coax used/stored only indoors seems to be
>>>> immune from this problem.
>>>>
>>>> I would be interested in hearing from other people who have
>>>> observed this problem. Am I somehow doing something wrong
>>>> to cause this?
>>>>
>>>> Rick N6RK
>>>> _________________
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>>> --
>>> Sent via Gmail Mobile on my iPhone
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