Talk:RF Connector Index 1
Contents
Connector insulation
siver/silver/teflon or silver/nickle/phenolic
bakelite - is this the same as phenolic?
polystyrene or polyethylene insulators melt when heat applied from soldering
Delrin insulating material is a little better but still can get soft at soldering temperature.
Teflon insulating material is very good and are increasingly available.
phenolic insulating material that was very good at soldering temperature.
OPINIONS FROM HAMS on Dielectric material
1: Don't use cheap nickel plated connectors, use PL-259 connectors which are silver plated and the connector metal is machined brass. They should also have a silver center pin. Insulator should be Teflon.
2: See the white insulator around the tip. That is teflon and will melt if you apply too much heat for too long. There are better types of PL-259 with better center insulators that won't melt so easily.
3: Teflon shouldn't melt at 327°C (close to 60/40 solder that is at about 330-350°C) it will start to melt but shouldn't have time to deform.
4: Teflon will not really melt at all, but around 350°C it will start to decompose, forming fumes and some kind of liquid. The latter is not melted Teflon, but a decomposition product.
5: I only use so239 connectors that are either Teflon or phenolic. Cheap Chinese plastic insulators will melt when the iron is applied. Plastic Polystyrene is fine for coaxial cable dielectric but not at the connector where soldering takes place to attach the connector. Never use crimp or push on connectors if you want a good RF connection.
Connector Materials
Plating: Nickel, Silver, Gold
Dielectric: Teflon, Phenolic, plastic
UHF Specifications
UHF Specifications
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* Electrical
Impedance: Variable
Frequency Range: 0-300MHz
Voltage Rating: 500 volts peak
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* Environmental
Temperature Range
Mica-Filled Phenolic Insulators: -55⁰C to 149⁰C
TFE Insulators: -65⁰C to 165⁰C
Copolymer of Styrene and Polystyrene Insulators: -55⁰C to 85⁰C
Weatherproof: Except as noted, all UHF are non-weatherproof
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