Cheap? Easy to install?
-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces@contesting.com> On Behalf Of
john@kk9a.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2019 9:01 PM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] F-connectors
I am wondering why F connectors are popular in amateur radio stations? They
are not waterproof, maybe partially if an o-ring is added. Basically as
Terry noted they are a cheap connector that has no center pin other the coax
wire.
John
Zivney, Terry N4TZ wrote:
Beware of buying 4-hole flange mount female f-connectors online.
I had problems with the PCB mounted connectors supplied with the YCCC
receiving antenna kits for the chokes, so I purchased "10x F-Type 4 Hole
Panel Mount Jack Connector with extended dielectric solder post"
from an online auction site.
The connectors look beautiful.
HOWEVER, I could not use them with my BNC-F adapter for test equipment
measurements.
REAL F-connectors are an engineering genius. Low cost, reasonable
reliability.
This is a result of the two parallel spring fingers that make up the center
contact in REAL F-connectors. This accommodates a variety of sizes of center
conductors from different sizes of coax.
The online beauties appear to have a simple machines single-diameter center
contact, which limits the size of conductor which can be used. This might be
ok with high-precision connectors like REAL SMA connectors, but is a poor
manufacturing design when used as an F-connector.
I solved the problem with the supplied PCB connectors by purchasing some
external tooth lock washers to bite into the PVC pipe caps used in the YCCC
choke design. I also used solder lugs to make the connection to the
F-connectors.
I could not determine from the picture in the Digikey catalog whether the
pricey Amphenol connector have the same flawed design. The manufacturer's
drawing is mute on this important point.
Terry N4TZ
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