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Identifying coax connections etc

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 2:35 pm
by Tom McCarthy
I found this webpage helpful for identifying different RF related connections, for coaxial cable and so on. See the attached pdf in case the website goes down.

http://www.rfcables.com/Technical_Connector-Glance.htm


Tech-ConnectorsGlance.pdf
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Re: Identifying coax connections etc

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 4:12 pm
by Richard Hull
The PDF above gives only a smattering of connectors.

Two key connectors to be found common in HV RF and NIM in the nuke instrument biz.

HN connectors - This connector is rarely seen at hamfests. If you can find an old one ($5-$10). (new- pasternack $38) Finding one on cabling - Super rare! Almost always a make your own cable situation. Pasternack can charge well over $100 for a 6 footer male-male. Keithley and some Fluke precision, regulated, 0-5000 volt, vacuum tube based, surplus power supplies used only this connector.

SHV-BNC connector Almost never found as a lone connector. New, the simple male connector can cost $30-$50. Pasternack sells a 6 foot male-male coax for $90.00+ You will have to luck out to find a surplus cable. A lot of vacuum HV feed throughs use vacuum tight female SHV's for 10kv+, demanding a male cable be on hand. A lot depends on the area you are in. You might be awash in them in high tech cities with large vacuum and physics research/technical centers. Sadly, in Forest Glen, North Dakota you will find a flask of Romulan ale easier to locate than a surplus SHV-BNC cable.

The adapter seen in the attached image could be a SHV to MHV or SHV to BNC.... both exist and Pasternack gets just under $110.00 for each adapter.

Richard Hull

Re: Identifying coax connections etc

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 8:59 pm
by Jerry Biehler
Also there are two kinds of N connector, 50 and 75 ohm. The difference is the 75 ohm connector has a larger center pin. If you connect a 75ohm N male to a 50ohm female you can damage the 50ohm. That being said 75ohm N connectors are rare as hens teeth so you will probably never see them.

Re: Identifying coax connections etc

Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2018 4:11 am
by ian_krase
Don't forget the Spellman PL259 with long banana-tipped coax extension.