Bob, KG7D, writes:
>Amateurs would be reluctant to pay $5.00
>more for a radio that has "N type" connectors even though they are better in
>virtually all areas for amateur use.
There is no question that N connectors are better
than the UHF series (PL-259; SO-239) from the standpoint
of impedance continuity.
But, what about current-carrying capacity and voltage
breakdown? Start by comparing the current-carrying
elements of an N male with the comparable elements of a
tiny BNC male. Some of you will be in for quite a
surprise.
Look at the size of the current-carrying
elements of a PL-259. Then, ask yourself how important
at HF (as opposed to VHF-UHF for which the N series is
designed) the superior impedance-continuity of N
connectors really is.
Next, consider the common assertion that N connectors have superior
weather resistance. I have found the rubber gaskets in
N connectors to suffer badly in the outdoors, and from mere aging.
I believe both the N series and the UHF series to be in need of
similar weather-protection procedures.
Finally, compare the relative difficulty of doing
a first-class job of attaching the connectors to cable.
Reach your own conclusions about the "superiority" of the
N series for general HF ham use.
73 de Bob, K0KR
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