UHF connector improvements
Cutaway examinations, mathematical calculations, VNA measurements and proposed compensation techniques round out a nice article by W0QE about the UHF connector.
Ham Radio . Magnum Experimentum
Antennas, experiments, engineering and other articles of interest to radio folks.
Cutaway examinations, mathematical calculations, VNA measurements and proposed compensation techniques round out a nice article by W0QE about the UHF connector.
A savvy ham performs testing on the UHF Connector and compares with BNC and N connectors.
Real measured data reveal the UHF (PL259 and SO239) connectors have real limitations.
You would think the world of RF connectors of the pedigree of the “N” would rigorously follow the dictates of the standards that define them. Thankfully most do, but exceptions arise and here is one such example of why it pays to “trust, but verify.”
Lab tests show post WW2 connector designs perform exceptionally well up to 500 MHz. The SMA, BNC, TNC and N connectors are great.
The PL259/SO239 (aka UHF) connectors have harsh critics and religious defenders. Questionable measurement techniques complicate matters. Let’s clear things up.
After three years of mobile operation, I review the Diamond Antenna NR770HBNMO with appropriate K515SNMO mount including pattern measurements.
Thanks to a spiffy new Airspy HF+ SDR receiver I can scratch listening to WWVB off the bucket list.
I measured the SWR and Return Loss of a loaner Diamond X50 antenna.
A 1/4 wavelength of 75 ohm coax inline with a full wavelength of 50 ohm coax is all one needs to make a simple 80m dipole become a wideband dipole antenna.
We pit the PL-259 (and SO-239) against more recent connectors. This is the list of contenders plus a description of the test setup.
Review of the smallest portable 2m antenna on the market producing full size dipole performance and stows into your pocket.
I measure one example of a ferrite coax choke for response over frequency to understand its suitability for VHF and UHF.
Erroneous specs aside, the N9TAX VHF SlimJim antenna is an exemplary dipole.
Using modest gear, station #6 of the Appalachian Trail Golden Packet exercise confirms 9600 bps works well for passing packets north and south.
Two examples of square aluminum RF power splitters built from 1973 plans reveal a 15 MHz difference from the claimed design frequency.
The J-Pole antenna’s long and storied design history is due for one more chapter to mitigate the longstanding mast current and reliability issues.
The Baofeng UV-5R provides modest quality with a low price yielding high value. This HT can literally be a Christmas stocking stuffer.
Moonbounce for the rest of us, part 2 of 3, showcases a basic 144 MHz EME station including equipment costs.
Test results of the Coaxial Cable Balun and the Folded Balun (aka Pawsey Stub) reveal coax Velocity Factor applies to the former, but not the latter, unlike what many web sites would have you believe. Part 2 of 2.