[TowerTalk] connectors

[Bryan Fields]

> > No more N connectors,  hi.

I think that a N is THE BEST connector to use. The two gaskets give it
water resistance that no PL-259 can match.  After years of being outside
unprotected the silver may have .006 of a inch of sulfide (i have
actually mesured this amount!) on it but the inside will be nice and
shiny.  Secondly you do not need to heat the whole connector like you
have to do with a pl-259, this means no melted coax and no impedance
bumps b/c of melted dielectric. (i can never put a pl-259 on right the
first time, the coax always melts!)   Third, the connector is less noisy
b/c the the center pin is under pressure from the connector.  This is
very important in repeater installations, especially in the duplexer. 
Many a crackling noise has been traced to a bad uhf connector on a
duplexer.



the way i put on the connector is close to the way the arrl handbook
says to.  

1.  first use a caliper to measure the amount of outer jacket to remove.
2.  then cut the outer jacket with a hot dull knife.  no scored braid!
3.  then fold back the braid and comb it out with a Stainless steal
brush.
4.  again measure the center insulator with the caliper and cut it with
the hot knife.
5.  fold the braid up now and slip the clamp over the braid.
6.  fold the braid back and comb it with the s.s. brush again.
7.  cut the braid to the proper length with shears not nippers!
8.  solder the center pin to the center conductor.  
9.  slide the connector body on and tighten the nut.

Sure, it does take longer than a pl-259 but 10 minutes of time is just a
small price to pay for a connector that will stand up to the elements
for years.  

Also make sure you use AMP connectors and get them from a reputable
source if possible.  (I know some times you find a guy at a hamfest with
in the bag amp connectors for 25 cents a piece)

73's

Bryan, KB9MCI

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