Antenna Project continued...
The PL259 and SMA connectors:
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Alright - so what's this nonsense with the SMA connector and why does it impact the antenna build project that
we will be working on? First off, most people will be using the completed antenna for fox hunting. It is
highly directional and will greatly benefit in narrowing down the location of a hidden transmitter (FOX). But
in order to use the antenna we will have to connect it to a radio of course...
In this case most people will elect to use their HT radios for the sake of portability since they are hand held. But
the connector on these radios use a SMA RF antenna connector. It is much smaller than the PL259 connector
that we will be using to build the antenna. So we need an adpater to convert the PL259 to something that will
connect to the SMA connector on the radio - such as a Baofeng or ID51.
It is also important to note that the Baofeng radios usually have a male SMA connection on the radio, while ICom ID 51
models have the female variant.
So why not just make the connector on our project the one we are going to plug into our radios in the first place?
The short answer is that we are following the plans we have as given. If we were to use the SMA connector from the get
go, then we would also have to purchase different coax, and order alternate parts to satisfy the changes. It is
better for all involved to follow one set of plans from my point of view becuase I will be getting a standard set of
components for everyone.
! HOWEVER - If you want to change the physical characteristics or any detail of the original plans you are more than
welcome to. Please just let me know what you are going to do different so I can work with you on the changes you intend
to make. But for the overall build I will be sticking to the plans that are most commonly used.
For those that are interested in getting one of these adapters (shown above), Radio Shack here in town (Big Spring)
has them in stock. They are located in the parts bins at the rear of the store. Top-left bin drawer in the back. I will
bring one that everyone can use to test with - so you don't have to go get one right away.
- end of addendum -
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