Ham Radio antenna connectors

July 12, 2021
KB9VBR-J-Pole-Amphenol

BNC photoThe BNC (Bayonet Neill–Concelman) connector is used in a wide variety of electronic products and it used to be the standard connector for HTs. It is particularly convenient due to its “twist and lock” operation —-easy on, easy off. As handheld transceivers became more compact, the BNC was largely replaced with the much smaller SMA (SubMiniature version A) connector.

For example, the Yaesu FT-60 uses a female SMA connector for the antenna connection.FT-60 SMA Since Yaesu, Icom and Kenwood all use this connector, I’d say this is the standard approach for the amateur radio market.

A few manufacturers have decided to use the male SMA connector as the antenna connection for their handheld radios. I suspect that these manufacturers are following the lead of commercial radio manufacturers (e.g., Motorola) who also use the male connector. This approach seems to be popular with the Chinese manufacturers (Wouxun, Baofeng, etc.)

Either gender of SMA connector is just fine but you’ll want to be aware of which one your radio uses when buying accessories for your HT. Sometimes hams adapt these SMA connectors back to the good old BNC, to connect existing BNC cables or antennas.

The adapter in the center is a common adapter for cable use but arguably mechanically weak for adapting HT antennas. The adapter on the left adapts BNC antennas to an HT with a male SMA connector and fits snugly on the top of the HT, providing mechanical support. Similarly, the adapter on the right adapts BNC antennas to an HT with a female SMA connector. The adapter on the left is available from Import Communications, while the other two adapters came from Affordable Radio.

I hope this helps you sort out the different connectors on your radio. You’ve got to get connected if you’re going to connect on the airwaves! Thanks for stopping by Shack Talk.

Source: www.hamradioschool.com
INTERESTING VIDEO
Long Range Antenna and BNC Connector for Handheld Radios
Long Range Antenna and BNC Connector for Handheld Radios ...
KINNOTA Radio VHF/UHF Antenna - PL259 Connector
KINNOTA Radio VHF/UHF Antenna - PL259 Connector
Ham / CB Radio Antenna Coax LMR-400 Times Microwave
Ham / CB Radio Antenna Coax LMR-400 Times Microwave ...

INTERESTING FACTS
Share this Post
latest post
follow us