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Re: QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA
#poll-notice
George Korper
Agree with Allison. The extra length of the plastic gets snaggy when putting a radio in a bag. If you look at a QCX the long BNC is ridiculous. So I ask Allison if the shorter BNC is reliable.
On Thu, Aug 6, 2020 at 11:42 AM ajparent1/KB1GMX <kb1gmx@...> wrote: SMA for size.
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Re: 500 times for the SMA
George Korper
Well actually, I only object to the length of the current BNC. I was trying to match the "MountainTopper" and a short BNC is used on that I think. So I would like to see Han's comment on reducing the length. The size really needs to include that.
On Thu, Aug 6, 2020 at 11:40 AM ajparent1/KB1GMX <kb1gmx@...> wrote: Worn out dozens over the years. I'd add 500 is optimistic.
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Re: QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA
#poll-notice
ajparent1/KB1GMX
SMA for size.
BNC for durability and less fiddly when up on a hill with cold hands. Note some of the PCB edge mount BNC may provide a lower profile. Allison ------------------------------- Please reply on list so we can share. No private email, it goes to a bit bucket due address harvesting
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Re: 500 times for the SMA
ajparent1/KB1GMX
Worn out dozens over the years. I'd add 500 is optimistic.
Failure mode is center socket looses flex and fails. Second most common the center pin of cable breaks loose from the internal wire. Best are the stainless steel steel types, the gold ones are eye candy and generally fail faster though are easier to solder. Allison ------------------------------- Please reply on list so we can share. No private email, it goes to a bit bucket due address harvesting
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500 times for the SMA
George Korper
We should live so long!
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Re: QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA
#poll-notice
jjpurdum
Regardless of the connector used, I would likely not mount it on the PCB even if the board provides for it. Off-board mounting, to me, gives me more flexibility in the case I might use. My problem is that I tend to "snag" things, often breaking them off. I originally voted for the SMA for that reason, but when I started reading about the SMA problems that some have, I changed my vote. I can put the connector off board, too, and will factor that into my nexts case. For my next QCX case, I am 3D printing a case with an "recessed box" in it. The box will be open by removing a two-screw panel that covers the box. On the front will be the (alas, discontinued) mini paddle that QRPGuys used to sell: I plan to mold brass nuts into the case front and will use brass thumb screws to attach the dit paddles to the circuit inside. A molded center contact point is the ground. When I'm done operating, I'll detach the paddle and store it with the screws in the "recessed box". That way, no heavy set of paddles to drag along and I can't snap them off when packing it for travel. All this is easier for me if the connectors are "off board". Jack, W8TEE
On Thursday, August 6, 2020, 10:59:09 AM EDT, Al Holt <grovekid2@...> wrote:
I admit I voted for SMA, mainly on the basis of my experience with those threaded plastic BNC connectors, UGH! I'm more in favor of a bulkhead mounted connector with a jumper to the board. If the the mini design is going to hold up out in the field, it's better not to depend on a board mounted connector, BNC or SMA. With SMA connectors able to work into the GHz range, it's no wonder a manufacturer would want to limit the number of reconnections to stay in spec. --Al WD4AH
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Re: QCX+ 30 done! Low power.
Ronald Taylor
James, if you are getting that much power out, then everything else is probably good, so OK to play with the lowpass filter.
Ron
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Re: QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA
#poll-notice
Bill Cromwell
Hi,
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
I have a nanoVNA with SMA fittings. The early deterioration most likely affects their performance in the microwaves. I use mine at HF and may use it some day a time or two on two meters but probably not. I take reasonable care to not wear or damage the connectors soldered into the unit and I don't expect a lot of trouble from them. For my radios I like the BNC and UHF (PL-259) connectors. I have used RCA, SMC, C, and N connectors. bark less - wag more
On 8/6/20 10:59 AM, Al Holt wrote:
I admit I voted for SMA, mainly on the basis of my experience with those threaded plastic BNC connectors, UGH!
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Re: QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA
#poll-notice
Please, no. Those give me nightmares. Too many cases of them either not staying in or refusing to come out.
On Thu, Aug 6, 2020 at 11:11 AM Phil/K3UT (ex W3HZZ) <pgraitcer@...> wrote:
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Re: QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA
#poll-notice
What about RCA connectors?
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Re: help !
Ronald Taylor
Jay, did you check voltages on IC5, 6 and 7 yet? Are you seeing the nominal 2.5 volts at pins 1,2,3,5,6 & 7 of all three of those? Ron
On Thu, Aug 6, 2020 at 5:40 AM ny2ny <jayb1943@...> wrote:
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Re: QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA
#poll-notice
Dave VE3LHO
Supporting both SMA and BNC footprints makes a lot of sense to me.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Use right angle, PCB mount connectors. Not the edge mount SMA's like those used on the nano. I'd expect that having the connectors break off the PCB would be a bigger issue then having the connector wearout from use when we're talking about people using this in a portable environment. In both SMA and BNC you can get right angle connectors which have mounting nuts that allow fairly rigid mounting to a case.
On Thu, Aug 6, 2020 at 06:09 AM, Scott McDonald wrote:
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Re: QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA
#poll-notice
Al Holt
I admit I voted for SMA, mainly on the basis of my experience with those threaded plastic BNC connectors, UGH!
I'm more in favor of a bulkhead mounted connector with a jumper to the board. If the the mini design is going to hold up out in the field, it's better not to depend on a board mounted connector, BNC or SMA. With SMA connectors able to work into the GHz range, it's no wonder a manufacturer would want to limit the number of reconnections to stay in spec. --Al WD4AH
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Re: QCX Replacement encoder
Cory KG7BBV
I had the same problem show up a couple months ago. I ended up taking it apart and liberally applying WD-40 to where the turning knob comes in. Works better than before now, though initially I noticed some odd behavior when turning the knob too fast. That's gone away since. Taking that tiny thing apart wasn't very easy, but I'm cheap to the point of masochism sometimes hi hi.
-- Cory, KG7BBV
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Re: How about an ultra-portable "QCX mini" version?
#qcx
Kees T
Hans,
9.1 cuin ....with a 2x16 display, and DIP ATMega328.....WOW. .....with all the SMT premounted, that's cool. I think 92mm x 25mm x 63mm is one of the "standard" aluminum clamshell enclosures like on the QCX+. Drilled and Silkscreened ? 73 Kees K5BCQ
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Re: QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA
#poll-notice
Scott McDonald
I'm not pro or con on this but it is interesting to note that Elecraft uses SMA connectors on their 2/4 meter transverter for the KX3.
I'm well past 50 cycles with no trouble on mine but now sufficiently paranoid about it :)
Scott ka9p
-----Original Message-----
From: Russ@va3rr via groups.io <va3rr@...> To: QRPLabs@groups.io Sent: Thu, Aug 6, 2020 8:40 am Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA Mostly just torque issues - both over and under-torqueing. One gentleman broke the fingers that connect the SMA connector to the circuit board using too much torque.
Even when a torque wrench is used, one member of the group advised that SMA connectors are rated for a limited number of connection cycles...
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Re: QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA
#poll-notice
BNC connectors without the plastic housing exist. I have a mini oscilloscope, a DSO138, that has one. Here are links to examples:
On Thu, Aug 6, 2020 at 10:26 AM Kees T <windy10605@...> wrote: I would say prefer board mount BNC .....but find one which does not have the plastic housing (I believe they have those). If you are really an industrious builder with all 5 fingers on each hand, cut the plastic off and solder the two locator pins to the bare BNC barrel for mechanical rigidity. they are not connected to anything anyway on the ones I have dissected. There is also the "locate off board" option ....not preferred.
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Re: QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA
#poll-notice
Kees T
I would say prefer board mount BNC .....but find one which does not have the plastic housing (I believe they have those). If you are really an industrious builder with all 5 fingers on each hand, cut the plastic off and solder the two locator pins to the bare BNC barrel for mechanical rigidity. they are not connected to anything anyway on the ones I have dissected. There is also the "locate off board" option ....not preferred.
Having the two footprints on top of each other (BNC/SMA) would allow the option. 73 Kees K5BCQ
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Re: QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA
#poll-notice
Per - LA9XKA
True, but Tyco Electronics also specifies only 50 cycles for their gold plated center pin BNC connectors. https://docs.rs-online.com/616e/0900766b81409ff0.pdf
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
73 de LA9XKA - Per
On Thu, Aug 6, 2020 at 03:39 PM, Dave wrote: The SMA is only rated for 50 mate/demate cycles, and that is for the real gold plated versions. Quite a nice connector for applications that call for a very few disconnects, like inside equipment.
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Re: QCX mini: RF output BNC or SMA
#poll-notice
Graham, VE3GTC
SMA connectors have a limited life span measured in only 100's of mating cycles. Check the data sheets for Ampehnol, Pasternack, (etc) parts. The inexpensive SMA's from Asia quite likely are even less robust. I have seen some pretty poorly made SMA connectors which instead of fighting with just end up in the trash. Also, to be used properly and to spec, SMA connectors need to be installed to a specified torque setting ( see the data sheets ). For general use this is not likely much of an issue until the connectors start to wear but on test and GHZ equipment it can be an issue. SMA's being tiny are also subject to large forces when longish cables are attached ( think of Archimedes ) and moved around. Cheap SMA's and those not well secured are all the more likely to suffer in this scenario. Mini and micro size USB connectors also suffer for this same reason. TNC are an excellent choice but never really became as popular as other types - about BNC size but with the added connection security of being screwed on. Given the choice of SMA or BNC / TNC or something else on portable equipment, I would choose BNC. On equipment that has SMA connectors, I often use a SMA to BNC adapter / converter such as this: I place a washer between the adapter and the equipment that allows the adapter to be screwed down securely without any space between the equipement and the adapter in order to provide security and strain relief ( think of Archimedes again ). cheers, Graham ve3gtc
The NanoVNA group has been seeing some issues with SMA connectors.
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