No Matter What The "Experts" Say You Simply Can't Do This With A PL-259

[tcp2525]

Here's a great example of using the proper connector for the the task at hand. One that is waterproof and can withstand the demands of being used on a motorcycle in all weather conditions. As you can see in the pic, no further waterproofing is needed other than heatshrink with hotglue protecting the LMR240 entering the N connector.  I know, I should have used 1/2" Heliax for this extremely long run to minimize cable loss, but the bending radius was too large to get in those tight spots. Anyway, This has been on this motorcycle for close to 10-years and no water has entered the coax. Damn, sometimes I do a job so good I scare myself.

[tcp2525]

10 minutes ago, Socalgmrs said:

Ok? Do you want a cookie?  

Definitely, only if they are chocolate chip. Do I get two cookies if I get Amphenol to stop making PL-259s?

[WRYZ926]

1 hour ago, tcp2525 said:

Definitely, only if they are chocolate chip. Do I get two cookies if I get Amphenol to stop making PL-259s?

You will get a baker's dozen if you can get all the radio manufacturers to start using N Type connectors on all HVF/UHF/GMRS radios.

[TerriKennedy]

24 minutes ago, WRYZ926 said:

You will get a baker's dozen if you can get all the radio manufacturers to start using N Type connectors on all HVF/UHF/GMRS radios.

I'll vote for that, except for handhelds.

My nomination for "worst connector ever" is the large NMO. There's insufficient thread engagement on both the inside and outside threads of the large ring, the flats for tightening the large ring are on the wrong side, I have no idea what they thought putting the waterproofing O-ring where it is would accomplish, its impossible to tell if everything has a good connection until you key up and check the SWR, etc. And I had to wait weeks for an NMO to N adapter because I refused to stack a NMO-to-SO-239-to-PL-259-to-N adapter string.

I'm actually thinking of changing the VHF/UHF connectors on my DG-503 power / SWR meter from SO-239 to N just to get rid of the adapters. The HF side can stay as SO-239. I'm not sure I'm going to like what I see when I open the case, though. My SW-102 already has N connectors.

[tcp2525]

1 hour ago, WRYZ926 said:

You will get a baker's dozen if you can get all the radio manufacturers to start using N Type connectors on all HVF/UHF/GMRS radios.

If you can get me a baker's dozen of these magnificent French Crullers you got a deal!!! There's absolutely no legitimate use for the SO-239 and PL-259.

[WRYZ926]

Oh I can feel my blood sugar levels spike just looking at that photo. Why tease a diabetic like that. 

Outside of just stocking one type of connector and keeping the prices and inventory down, there is absolutely no reason to use PL-259/SO-239 connectors for any VHF/UHF radio when N Type connectors are better.

While N Type connectors are definitely more weather resistant, I still wrap them just like I wrap PL-259 connectors out of habit.

[GrouserPad]

I’d still prefer a good ol’ pl259 connector myself. And just replace it at 3 year intervals. The 259’s hold up for years and years on some of the toughest heavy equipment in horrid conditions and transmit cb just fine. 

[SteveShannon]

In only two characteristics is the PL-259/SO-239 system slightly better than the N connector: ubiquity and durability.  A person can break an N connector, but it requires a certain carelessness.  By ubiquity, I mean that I think I could find a PL-259 and SO-239 connector anywhere in the world. I don’t have the same level of confidence in the N connector anywhere.

However, in every other conceivable characteristic, the N connector is superior, especially for UHF.

[GrouserPad]

5 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

In only two characteristics is the PL-259/SO-239 system slightly better than the N connector: ubiquity and durability.  A person can break an N connector, but it requires a certain carelessness.  By ubiquity, I mean that I think I could find a PL-259 and SO-239 connector anywhere in the world. I don’t have the same level of confidence in the N connector anywhere.

However, in every other conceivable characteristic, the N connector is superior, especially for UHF.

Agreed, and I could replace a pl259 in the field with a soldering iron and a sharp knife. I personally could not do that with an N type. 

[WRCR724]

5 hours ago, tcp2525 said:

If you can get me a baker's dozen of these magnificent French Crullers you got a deal!!! There's absolutely no legitimate use for the SO-239 and PL-259.

I prefer beignets.

 

 

[SteveShannon]

6 hours ago, GrouserPad said:

Agreed, and I could replace a pl259 in the field with a soldering iron and a sharp knife. I personally could not do that with an N type. 

Seriously, why not?  They are not that much different to install than  PL-259. In fact with these M&P connectors you don’t even need solder:

 

[tcp2525]

8 hours ago, WRCR724 said:

I prefer beignets.

 

 

Damn!! I'm ready. The hell with PL-259s, its time to eat. Let's go all the way in our journey to clog our arteries and get some hot out of the fryer funnel cakes.

[Socalgmrs]

Ok? Do you want a cookie?