[RFI] Recommended All Band Receiver

[Jim Brown]

On 5/28/2013 11:49 PM, Utility.rfi.pro wrote:
> Switchcraft is superior to Neutrik. The Switchcraft connector would 
> easily accommodate RG-58.

That's what I said.

>
> I believe that the Switchcraft connector would still break with more 
> than a gentle bump. The jack is no doubt fragile as well.

Both the Switchcraft and Neutrik connectors are sufficiently robust that 
they would not break with a gentle bump unless they were poorly 
installed.  Both are quite decent connectors, although the Swithcraft is 
the more robust of the two.  I stock both of them to make audio patch 
cables. If I had only the Neutrik available, I would strip the outer 
jacket so that the braid would fit through the shell, complete the 
wiring, then protect and reinforce the connection with several layers of 
heat shrink.  I share your concern for the chassis-mounted jack.

BTW -- the Neutrik 1/8 connectors are low-cost consumer-grade products 
from their Asian subsidiary.  Their primary line of EU-made connectors 
are equal to or better than Switchcraft. I serve on the AES Standards 
Committee Working Group on Connectors with engineers from both 
companies, and both are first rate companies.

>
> The problem is the side mounted jack more so than the 1/8th inch plug. 
> Side mounted jacks make it tough to put the device in a bag or case. 
> Side protruding connectors are a nuisance and frequent fracture victim 
> in the rough and tumble world of commercial work.

Gee, I thought we were talking about a low cost alternative for a ham to 
chase down RFI, not something to be part of a professional's working kit.

>
> One can't predict how many hazards will be encountered that will snag 
> or bump against what is arguably a fairly small piece of metal pressed 
> against a substantial lever.
>
> Murphy's Law dictates that anything that can fracture a small 
> connector will do so at the most inconvenient moment.
>
> Radar Engineers wisely top mounts the external antenna BNC jack on the 
> Model 240 receiver. Mine is still intact after 10 years of oops!
>
> Much care will be needed if an external antenna is plugged into the 
> Tecsun. Not only is the radio a consumer device, its made in China...a 
> fact that means extra fragile in even the gentlest environments.

Yeah, but the Tecsun can be bought for about $100.  What does that Radar 
Engineers box cost?  How many hams can afford that to chase down power 
line noise when they cannot bill a steady stream of clients to pay for it?

> Perhaps a right angle connector would work but I would still want to 
> secure that somehow.

Let us know when you find such a connector in someone's catalog. I've 
never seen one.

73, Jim K9YC