[TowerTalk] PL-259 question

[John Becker]

A little more clarification here relative to my inquiry:

I am only interested in the differences between the different Amphenol 
PL-259 plugs. I won't consider using a generic plug from an unknown 
supplier.

The plugs I have with either dark yellow or light yellow insulators are 
marked 83-1SP. Amphenol's published data says these have silver plating 
on both the body and the center pin.

I was incorrect in stating that I had some with blue insulators; they 
actually are green and they are marked 83-1SP-1007. I haven't found any 
description of this variety on Amphenol's website. These were very 
common at Motorola before I retired. I wonder if they were a special 
Motorola-only variation.

The plugs I have with Teflon insulators are marked 83-886. Amphenol's 
published data says these have nickel plating on the body and silver 
plating on the center pin.

There is a variation 83-886-2050 which is Teflon with silver plating on 
both the body and the center pin, but I have never seen one of these. 
R&L Electronics is selling them for $9.95 each. For comparison, they 
sell the 83-1SP for $3.95.

Amphenol's UHF Connector brochure says the insulators used are PTFE 
(Teflon), co-polymer of styrene, or mica-filled phenolic. It does NOT 
say which insulator is used on each specific part number.

A couple of people have recommended the 83-1SP because the silver plated 
shell is easier to solder than nickel plated varieties. I have also 
observed this to be the case.

I have found no explanation from Amphenol as to why they use phenolic 
insulators in some and PTFE in others. This is what I would like to 
understand. Is there some application of a PL-259 where PTFE is 
demonstratively superior to phenolic? Or is this just a marketing ploy 
to justify a significantly higher price? I would guess that the 
difference in material cost between phenolic and Teflon is very low in 
the quantities Amphenol buys.

73, John, K9MM