RCA Plug modifications

[WB2TBB]

Perhaps there is no technical reason for changing to SO239, but nobody
changed them for technical reasons. Its not hard to understand. Everything
else in the shack uses SO239, and most hams have several UHF-UHF patch
chords.
Or they want to unplug one rig and plug in another. The other rig probably
has
a SO239 connector on it.
...Dave
-----Original Message-----
From: AL DOLGOSH <al.dolgosh at HAMRADIO.ORG>
To: HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV <HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV>
Date: Tuesday, April 27, 1999 12:55 PM
Subject: RCA Plug modifications


>Certainly, changing the RF connector from an RCA to an SO-239 will alter
the
>$$$ value of the equipment.  While the owner is free to make his own
decisions
>about modifications, I question the reasons being given for this change
being
>necessary.
>
>At HF (3-30 MHz) frequencies, the electrical difference between the RCA and
a
>constant-impedance N connector are negligible.  There is no technical
reason to
>make the change.  Changing to a "UHF" SO-239 connector makes no electrical
>sense whatever since, like the RCA, it is NOT a constant impedance 50 ohm
>connector.  Some two-way radios even use RCAs for internal conections at
450
>MHz!  The impedance bump is insignificant to performance.
>
>Mechanically, the SO-239 is superior to the RCA - but only if you want to
grab
>the cable and swing the rig around your head.  Those who complain about the
RCA
>"wearing out" have caused their own problem by insisting on using a cable
with
>a PL-259 connector PLUS an adapter which mechanically loads the RCA far
beyond
>its design limits.  I never saw a Heath manual recommend an adapter!  Every
>connector has its opposite-sex mate, and none were never designed to
support
>adapters which are only to be used in a temporary application.
>
>As for accidentally plugging the speaker (or receiver OSC) into the RF OUT
>connector.......I hope you never given too many choices which require any
>thinking. This is not an excuse to modify the rig.
>
>If you want to change the chassis connector because you only have PL-259
cables
>and don't want to change the connector to an RCA - or buy the correct
cable -
>then you are the only person who has the legitimate reason for changing it!
>
>Get out the drill or reamer, but only if you understand WHY you are about
to
>modify the rig.
>
>Al - K8EUR (1957)      CCA AC98-00768
>Parma, OH  44134     QCWA Life Member
>reply mail to al.dolgosh at hamradio.org
>                or k8eur at hamradio.org
>
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