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Re: [TowerTalk] ...and another coax adapter question

To: Jack Brindle <jackbrindle@me.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] ...and another coax adapter question
From: Scott Townley <scott@nx7u.net>
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2023 13:51:06 -0500
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
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@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

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