An emergency situation is by way of definition, an unexpected event. When called upon to provide communications we need to be prepared with the necessary equipment to set up wherever we need to be to accomplish that task. Depending on the duration of the emergency there may be several radio operators working in turns.
Last week we looked at some adapters to use for grid power if it exists. Those adapters could also prove helpful if someone has a generator, or voltage inverter available. This week we will look at RF connectors that we may need to couple radios, antennas, power meters, extra cable, according to our need. More than once, N7OZH, O D Williams told us that he had a collection of RF adapters. Every kind he could get, he had. That is probably overkill. Having adapters that will fit the output of YOUR radio(s) and allow you to connect with the coax on the antenna you will be using is probably sufficient.
My Baofeng UV5-R radios have an SMA Male connector. My Yaesu FT-60 radios have the SMA Female connector. Many others will have a BNC Female connector. KNOW which one(s) you have and get The adapters that will allow you to connect to the antenna coax which will usually be a PL259 or a BNC male. My own preference is to go from what my radio has to a PL259. The PL259 along with a barrel connector will allow you to use any adapter you have that has either a PL259 or an SO239 on it.
Radios typically will have one of four different connectors on the radio itself. An SO239 is likely to be on the back of a mobile, or base radio. Handhelds may have a BNC connector or an SMA connector. The BNC is a good, strong connector. Unfortunately, the radio manufacturers have moved to the use of the SMA connector. SMA connectors on radios may be either male or female, that's why I said there are four different connectors. They are smaller and more likely to break, so I have been told by those who use their radios more than I do. That's where the need for adapters begins. Two of my radios are permanently equipped with BNC connectors because I wanted more strength and the antennas I had on hand have BNC connectors. For that, I chose the black adapter shown on the page.
It looks like it belongs on my radio. Using a fiber washer underneath it relieves any strain on the SMA connector.If you are using a Yaesu FT-60 you will need to file one side of the washer flat so it will not interfere with your tuning knob.
There are two other handy adapters in the visual aids. One is the lighter plugin adapter with red and black binding posts. A very handy way to access power from a vehicle that has a lighter.
The other, you will see, has an SO239 on one end of a 20" cable and a BNC male connector at the other. The Cable used is much more flexible than the R-G 8 often used to connect to outdoor antennas. This extra flexibility will reduce stress on the radio's connector and will allow you easier movement. They are available from several sources online.
Depending on the antenna that is available you may find it has a PL259 or a BNC connector on it. The same will be true any peripheral equipment you may use. SWR meter, etcetera. Without adapters, you will experience your own emergency situation.
I like to keep some solderless PL259 and BNC connectors in my go bag, just in case. If a repair needs to be made it may be under less than ideal conditions. You may not have a soldering iron or, if you have one with you, you may not have the power to run it. Connectors and adapters will average $5 each. Buy online if you like. Raelco and Standard Supply will have them on hand locally.
An upcoming event: The Utah Valley Amateur Radio Club is having a swap meet 29 Sep 18, 475 S Main St. Buying and selling to begin at 9:00 AM. Set up for sellers is 7:30 AM. $5., $10. family, $5. for seller's table.
KD7NKW - Richard
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