Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259 soldering/reliability problems)

Thu Dec 6 12:40:27 EST 2018

re the pl259/so239: The impedance bumps are generally irrelevant where 
the cable connects to the antenna or equipment due to the way most 
wiring is done at those points. notice I said generally.
The only time it may be an impedance bump issue is in switching where 50 
ohm is not maintained or connecting two cables together with a barrel 
connector. note this a "may be" condition.
what loss it introduces is very minimal below 250mhz, above 500mhz that 
is another issue. note there is a nebulous region and ,most cases works 
just fine there. Note the pl259/so329 can be used to a gig with care.
as for shield integrity is not the best, however it may be good enough 
for most applications
now all of the above must have proper assembly in all aspects as do all 
cable connections.
in my opinion it is a good connector. Is my favorite- no, it has its' 
applications and it has its limitations as do all connectors and being 
aware of those limitations can sometimes be mitigated, if not look to a 
different connector.
in the case of general amateur use, water intrusion ( for outdoor 
application) and  keeping the shell from getting loose (causing shield 
continuity issues) must be addressed.
Renée, K6FSB

On 2018-12-06 8:05 a.m., Paul Christensen wrote:
> I think the primary flaw of the PL-259/UHF connector is that shield
> connectivity is strictly a function of thread tightness.  There's no inner
> sleeve to maintain good electrical contact of the shield with any loosening
> of the connector plug.  Otherwise, I have no issues with either connector up
> through UHF.
>
> When people speak of "impedance bumps" when discussing the PL-259/SO-239,
> they're almost always parroting hearsay.  When asked how it matters, why it
> matters, and where exactly on the line it matters, few people can answer the
> question.
>
> Paul, W9AC
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Topband <topband-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Clive GM3POI
> Sent: Thursday, December 6, 2018 10:43 AM
> To: topband at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259
> soldering/reliability problems)
>
> For anyone that doubts the loss of a good 259. Google K2RIW on the subject
> who knows a thing or two about UHF and did some numbers on the subject.
> I have used for a good long time the Silver plated Teflon with a gold pin
> from the RF connection. I usually end up buying 50 at a time.
> 73 Clive GM3POI
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of N2TK,
> Tony
> Sent: 06 December 2018 15:31
> To: 'GEORGE WALLNER'; topband at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259
> soldering/reliability problems)
>
> I have been using PL-259 connectors forever. I have switched to crimp
> connectors when I need to make up a new cable. No sense replacing the
> soldered connectors if they are working fine. ThePL-259 is a low loss, easy
> to assemble connector for up to at least 6M (nothing higher in frequency
> here) that makes good contact and are easy to seal with rescue tape followed
> by Scotch 33+. Some of my PL-259's have been in use outside for 40 years and
> still look good and work well. I hope manufacturer's don't change.
> 73,
> N2TK, Tony
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Topband <topband-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of GEORGE WALLNER
> Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2018 9:13 AM
> To: topband at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259
> soldering/reliability problems)
>
> Greg,
> I completely agree. For all my outdoors applications I use N connectors.
> Unfortunately, amateur radio gear (even seriously expensive gear) is still
> built with SO-239 connectors which perpetuate the use PL-259 male
> connectors. As a result, my station and my DXpedition gear contain both,
> necessitating the use of adaptors. How do we convince manufacturers to
> change?
> 73,
> George
> AA7JV/C6AGU
>
>
>
> On Thu, 06 Dec 2018 17:00:53 +1300
>    Greg-zl3ix <zl3ix at inet.net.nz> wrote:
>>
>> I continue to be mystified by the fact that the amateur radio
>> community insists on using PL259 connectors. N-type are much more
>> reliable (used by professional communicators), low cost, can be
>> crimped easily and quickly and have a well-defined impedance right up
>> into GHz frequencies.
>>
>> Back in 2005 I started having contact problems with the connector on
>> my SteppIR 3-element. There was a thin layer of oxide that built up
>> around the centre pin of the PL259. I had had similar problems with
>> other connectors around my shack. I decided to change my entire
>> station, including the SteppIR, to N-type, and have never looked back.
>>
>>
>> 73, Greg, ZL3IX
>>
>> On 06.12.2018 13:29, Steve Ireland wrote:
>> G'day
>>> About five years I discovered this fool-proof and brilliant
>> way to solder PL-259s invented by Bill Maxon N4AR who taught this to
>> Tim K3LR. Tim uses this method throughout his contest station and did
>> a great job of documenting it - see
>> http://www.k3lr.com/engineering/pl259/
>> [1] and it has totally changed my angry and worried attitude towards
>> soldering PL-259s.
>>> The key component is Amphenol 83-1SP connectors.
>> The connector body is silver and the shell is nickel and you can buy
>> them from Mouser or DX Engineering.
>>> Vy 73
>>>
>>> Steve, VK6VZ
>>>
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