[TowerTalk] N connector, Re: UHF (PL259) soldered center

[jimlux]

On 6/26/18 10:49 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
> On 6/26/2018 7:31 AM, Michael Clarson wrote:
>> The wireless industry is starting to use another connector -- the
>> 4.3/10 DIN. Much more robust than the Type N, but unlike the 7/16 DIN, it
>> is sized for greater connector density for feed-lines typically used by
>> hams. Great. Now I have to get even more interseries adapters!
> 
> I don't understand this fixation on the latest and greatest for 
> components whose differences don't matter for 99.9% of ham operation! 
> How is this different from the teenagers who have to have the latest and 
> greatest smart phone, or the guy who has to have the latest model 
> vehicle in his driveway every year?
> 

Everyone who's ever had a connector cause a problem wants to say "there 
must be a better way", and of course, if you're buying millions of 
connectors per year, there usually is.

Sooner or later, that "better way" does get into the surplus market 
where thrifty hams feed.

Most HF applications would be adequately served by dual banana plugs, 
powerpole, or weatherproof trailer connectors, as long as they could 
handle the voltage and current (which might rule out the latter, which 
are, after all, designed for 12VDC)

The "impedance bump" such as it is, from the length of a 1-2" banana 
jack and plug isn't going to be a big deal, other than showing up on a 
TDR plot.

Maybe, just maybe, there is something to be said for "continuous shield 
integrity" for coax connectors.