[TowerTalk] ...and another coax adapter question

[Scott Townley]

If that's the case, then wouldn't an insertion loss test reveal such an 
issue?

For example, I was deconstructing the power handling of a Charter 
Engineering B5-series coaxial relay (N-female connectors).  If I map 
"max insertion loss at x GHz" to the average power rating on their 
published chart, at every point the dissipated power comes out to 11 
watts.  That tells me that "good" N-connectors can dissipate 5 watts, 
and for that mechanical form factor I should be able to derive a power 
limit based on measured insertion loss.

Or are the physics of power handling in "not-so-good" connectors 
different from what would be revealed by an insertion loss measurement?  
Assuming of course that we are not in the realm of high voltage 
breakdown of the dielectric (or maybe that's exactly the difference?).



On 24/11/2023 17:29, Jack Brindle wrote:
> One of the big problems with off-brand connectors and adapters is their power handling capabilities. This is especially noted in the right-angle adapter. We see a lot of arcing when higher power is applied.
> Higher power in this case is anything above just a few hundred watts. Whenever I see an amplifier log report with a lot of high reflected power or PA Dissipation faults, I immediately start looking at the
> connectors and feed line for problems. These are usually found in one of several places - right angle adapters, and baluns that were meant for low power, but have been over-stressed with high
> power.
>
> My advice? If the right-angle adapters aren’t Amphenol, throw them out.
>
> 73,
> Jack, W6FB
>
>
>> On Nov 24, 2023, at 12:59 PM, Scott Townley <scott at nx7u.net> wrote:
>>
>> Say I have a pile of coax adapters on my bench (we all do, right?).
>>
>> How do I separate the wheat from the chaff?  I have a fully equipped bench...I would think the go-to would be a TDR measurement.  Any better/additional suggestions?
>>
>> TIA,
>>
>> -- 
>> Scott NX7U
>>
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-- 
Scott NX7U