Miserable &**^%& SMA Adapter

[n2ize]

I've been using an SMA-BNC adapter so I could go grom my HT to mobile antenna. All week it was working great, I was hitting repeaters > 20 miles away on low power. Today I take off the rubber duck and screw on the adapter and connect the antenna and I am getting bupkis. I go to check the adapter and viola'... it falls apart in my hands. This is after taking special care to make sure I didn't put any strain on it.

I got this adapter from Universal for around 4 dollars. I checked some places that specialize in VHF, UHF, Microwave connectors and adapters and they have the same adapter made by Pomona (R), and Amphenol (R) and they run about $8.00-$9.00 a piece. The thing I am wondering about, is there much difference in the quality of these kinds of adapters and then way they are constructed ? In short will the extra few bucks deliver better quality on such a relatively simple device. Or, are they all the same and is it best to go with the cheapest ?

[N8YX]

Get one which has 12-24" of RG-174 or better (Teflon-dielectric; forget the number) coax between the SMA and BNC connectors. I see these at hamfests all the time. It'll put a lot less strain on the rig's SMA connector than a straight adapter will.

[n2ize]

Get one which has 12-24" of RG-174 or better (Teflon-dielectric; forget the number) coax between the SMA and BNC connectors. I see these at hamfests all the time. It'll put a lot less strain on the rig's SMA connector than a straight adapter will.

Sounds good. Would be perfect for what I do to, namely using it to connect an HT to mobile or base antennas. Any ideas if/where they might sell such an animal online ? Not sure if I'll be getting to any hamfesters for a while.

[N8YX]

Sounds good. Would be perfect for what I do to, namely using it to connect an HT to mobile or base antennas. Any ideas if/where they might sell such an animal online ? Not sure if I'll be getting to any hamfesters for a while.
Let me look. If all else fails I'll put one in the mail to you - I buy the things quite
often.

ETA:

Look here - http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/12881-cable-sma-bnc-18-rg-316-415-0028-018.html

That's about what I've been paying for them at the 'fests.

[KJ3N]

Sounds good. Would be perfect for what I do to, namely using it to connect an HT to mobile or base antennas. Any ideas if/where they might sell such an animal online ? Not sure if I'll be getting to any hamfesters for a while.

http://hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-005740

http://hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-007107

http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-009346

[n2ize]

Let me look. If all else fails I'll put one in the mail to you - I buy the things quite
often.

ETA:

Look here - http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/12881-cable-sma-bnc-18-rg-316-415-0028-018.html

That's about what I've been paying for them at the 'fests.

That is exactly what the doctor ordered. Only I need one that goes male SMA to female BNC. I am sure they have it.

[n2ize]

http://hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-005740

http://hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-007107

http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-009346

Okay, the middle one listed is the exact one I need. How is HRO for doing business with ? I have never ordered from them B4.

[n2ize]

I am thinking of going with this product

http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-009346

as this would enable me to use BNC type portable antenna's, mobile and base antenna's. However, I am trying to find out what the base size is so I can determine oif there will be enough clearance between the point where the adapter screws into the radio and the volume control which is fairly close by.

If it fits what I will do is leave this adapter on the HT at all times and just use BNC antenna's. That will take the wear and tear off the fragile SMA connector and help avoid eventual repairs. Thus far I haven;t been able to find the specs for this module.

[W5GA]

Okay, the middle one listed is the exact one I need. How is HRO for doing business with ? I have never ordered from them B4.
In my experience, once you get past the O.F. named Grumpy on the phone, they ship fast.

[WØTKX]

Only purchased them at ham fests, but regarding the adapters without the pigtail cable, I made a discovery...

Some are made in a "press fit" manner and fall apart. The machined ones I've found stay together.

[N6YG]

Get one which has 12-24" of RG-174 or better (Teflon-dielectric; forget the number) coax between the SMA and BNC connectors. I see these at hamfests all the time. It'll put a lot less strain on the rig's SMA connector than a straight adapter will.

I believe you are thinking of RG-316.

RG-316 is a Teflon-dielectric coax and it uses the same size crimp connectors as RG-174. Great stuff, I use it for making HT pigtails all the time.

[n2ize]

In my experience, once you get past the O.F. named Grumpy on the phone, they ship fast.

I contacted them by email. The guy who responded (maybe it was Grumpy) said the connector I am interested in will fit my radio. I emailed their California outlet. Not sure of Grumpy works there or not...