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

[jimlux]

On 6/26/18 11:21 AM, Steven Katz wrote:
> If the center pin of the male N connector is not aligned lengthwise in the connector body, that's due to using the wrong kind of male clamp N connector (such as a UG-21 type).
> 
> Use the UG-1185 type (Amphenol 82-312) and this problem would be impossible, as the pin is captivated between two Teflon step washers and is held in fixed position by a ridge on the pin held in precise alignment by the two Teflon inserts which have fixed positioning in the shell by design.
> 
> The pin can't be "too retracted," or "too extended," or move at all once the connector is assembled.


Yes.. but because there *are* some connector designs that don't 
guarantee this, there are "fit check gages" with dial indicators, etc. 
available for "those who care"

I suspect that more "out of tolerance" N connectors are because they 
were once mated with another incorrect connector, and that deformed the 
center conductor.

That mating of the two surfaces is the critical aspect to N connectors - 
In theory, the mating plane is set by the shield tube against the step 
inside the female connector. If the pin or the center socket are set 
back, then the connection is by the springy contact on the locator 
pointy pin, and that's a iffy thing - it will "probably work" "most of 
the time", except if there's vibration, or temp cycling, or you name it.
If the center pin sticks out a bit too far, either you deform the pin 
and the female side by crushing it, until the shield bottoms. That will 
usually make for a reasonably good connection (albeit perhaps with a 
small impedance bump), but if you demate and try to remate or use 
another connector, you're doomed to future agony.