What other connectors to use? Re: [TowerTalk] Why NOT to use PL259 connectors

[Jim Lux]

----- Original Message -----
From: "William Turini" <wtu at cypress.com>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 9:44 AM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Why NOT to use PL259 connectors


> This lengthy discussion about the difficulty of installing PL259
connectors
> has reaffirmed my decision long ago to go with N connectors and adapters.
>
>
> Only one simple solder joint.
>
> Don't complain about cost, even the cheapest ham can find them new at
> hamfests for less than a buck. Similiarly with adapters.
>
>
> Although the coolest soldering "device" for attaching braid to a PL259
> connector I ever say was two carbon electrodes and a 30amp 6 volt
> transformer. Clamp the electrodes across the PL259 and feed in the solder
as
> fast as you can.  Less than 2 sec per connector. Really slick. :-)
>


Several folks have pointed out that N connectors have a pretty small center
conductor (same as a BNC).  Is there a RF connector that is:
a) waterproof (nice feature of N and TNC)
b) Easily assembleable with minimal screw up potential (leaves out PL-259s)
b2) Field repairable (ideally no soldering required)
c) inexpensive (<$5-10) in moderate (10-20 piece) quantities
d) handles high power (2kW)


Jim,W6RMK