[amsat-bb] N connector failure report

[Greg LaHaie <greglh@xxxxxxx>]

Thanks to all for the discussion of N connectors and the proper care and 
feeding of same

Today I scaled the 50' tower to find the N connector failure was to the 
stationary FEMALE connector mounted on the reflector of my helix. The 
center connector gold tip had been 'splayed' to create the unrelaible 
connection.

No water or evidence of weather penetration was visible. The coaxseal 
was intact. The connectors were firmly mated.

The feedline had not been secured for perhaps 24 inches from the union 
and the subtle movement of the male N connector from wind evidently 
created the migration of the male tip within the mated connectors, 
forcing the female into deformation. It had been in the weather for 18 
months.

The replacement female N connector has been mounted to the antenna, and 
the new feedline is now secured with 3 inches to eliminate the 
possibility of movement.

Thanks to all for the great advice. I learned alot about better caring 
for these connectors!

Greg
K7YDL


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