Static Dissipation Caps and Static Drain Systems on Towers
Static Dissipation Caps and Static Drain Systems on Towers How Towers Collect Atmospheric Charge — Even on Clear Days Many radio towers, microwave sites, broadcast...
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Why Ground Conductivity Matters for Lightning and RF Systems
Ground Conductivity, Utility Paths and Electrical Safety Why Poor Ground Conditions and Long Metal Utility Paths Matter Many homes, repeater sites, radio installations and rural...
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The real deal on a PL-259 vs a UHF Male connector
PL-259 vs UHF Male Connector Understanding the Naming Difference in UHF-Series RF Connectors One of the most common questions in RF, amateur radio, CB, and...
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How High VSWR Can Cause a Gas Tube Surge Arrestor to Arc
How High VSWR Can Cause a Gas Tube Surge Arrestor to Arc Why RF Voltage Peaks and Antenna Tuners Can Trigger Gas Tube Arrestors A...
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Surge Arrestor Gas Tube Information
Lightning Surge Arrestor Gas Tubes  Understanding Gas Tubes Gas discharge tube (GDT) lightning arrestors are widely used in RF systems, repeater sites, microwave systems,...
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Motorola Quantar Repeater Modules and Part Numbers
Motorola Quantar Repeater Modules Quick Reference Guide for Common Motorola Quantar Station Modules and Assemblies. We made this chart up as we use the Quantar...
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Microwave Moding - What it is?
Microwave Moding Tutorial Understanding Microwave Transmission Line and Coaxial Cable Moding Microwave "moding" refers to unwanted electromagnetic propagation modes that occur in coaxial cable, waveguide,...
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WG Circular Waveguide Size and Frequency Chart
Common Circular Waveguide Sizes and Frequency Ranges This reference chart lists common circular (round) waveguide sizes used in microwave systems, radar, satellite communications, rotary joints,...
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WR Rectangular Waveguide Size and Frequency Chart
Common Rectangular Waveguide Sizes and Frequency Ranges This reference chart lists many of the most common rectangular microwave waveguide sizes used in radar, satellite, microwave...
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Easy Half Wave Dipole Calculator
Half Wave Dipole Calculator Quick and Easy - Perfect for POTA use Enter a frequency in either MHz or kHz. Examples: 7.2 or 7200 Frequency...
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What Connector Fits My Coax Cable?
Common Coaxial Cable Groupings for Connector Compatibility Many RF connectors are designed to fit multiple coaxial cable types that share similar jacket diameters, dielectric diameters,...
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W5SWL's Coax Cable Table
Common RF Coaxial Cable Sizes and Construction Details This reference chart provides approximate physical dimensions and shielding details for many of the most common RF...
Read moreReturn Loss Testing of Mixed Gender RF Adapters
Return Loss Testing of Mixed Gender RF AdaptersBy Dave Fant – W5SWL Introduction Mixed gender RF adapters (for example, N-male to N-female, BNC-female to SMA-male,...
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Testing RF Attenuators
Proper Testing of RF AttenuatorsBy Dave Fant – W5SWL Introduction RF attenuators are precision components used to reduce signal amplitude without significantly distorting waveform characteristics...
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UHF Series Power Ratings - General Application
UHF (PL-259 / SO-239) RF Connector Power Ratings The UHF series RF connector (PL-259 plug and SO-239 jack) has been widely used in amateur radio...
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A normal PL-259/SO-239 thread vs the China made PL-259 thread
The Chinese version of the PL-259 connector typically uses a metric thread, whereas the American version uses 5/8-24 UNEF (Unified Extra Fine) threading. Chinese PL-259...
Read more50 Ohm vs 75 Ohm Connectors or Adapters - N Connectors
If you have a mixture of 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm N series adapters or connectors, it would be best to be mindful that the...
Read moreHow to install a 3/4" NMO Antenna Mount
Have you made the decision to drill a hole in your car or truck. You should know this information ... NMO Mounts of 3/4" hole...
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I am confused, is it Male or Female or Plug and Jack on some of these specialized connectors?
It is a good question, one that actually many sellers do not understand. Most of our common connectors such as UHF, N, etc will follow...
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What are the Precision Adapters & Connectors - They seem more expensive
Precision RF connectors and adapters are used in exacting applications where both high performance and known performance is needed and expected. Precision connectors are designed...
Read moreShould I connect my LMR-600 or hardline directly to my equipment ?
From the FAQ at www.W5SWL.com of 3 August 2018 In a word, no. The LMR-600 series cable is a very stiff cable. As such it...
Read moreMy connector insulation or dielectric melted and it is a dripping mess ...
From the 2 July 2018 FAQ at www.W5SWL.com  You are probably not the only one that this has happened to, myself included. Melting the...
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Loral RF Coaxial Switch Diagram
From the 11 July 2022 FAQ at www.W5SWL.com There are many uses for these types of RF Switches. Here is the wiring detail for a...
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Isn't Amphenol the very best connector since it is made in the USA ?
From the www.W5SWL.com FAQ of 2 July 2018 They are good, it used to be one of the best because in our opinion there were...
Read moreOops! I tightened my connector and it snapped off
From the FAQ at www.W5SWL.com of 17 August 2018 Some connectors are made to me tightened with a specific torque spec and some are hand...
Read moreDo sellers of China made connectors know their stuff ?
Originally posted on 31 May 2019 at www.W5SWL.com To find out, just go to eBay and search for SMB Plug or SMB Jack. Or MCX...
Read moreDelrin vs Teflon
Originally posted 2 July 2018 on www.W5SWL.com Some folks just have to have Teflon. Some don't know what Delrin is and some don't care. I...
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