BNC's centre pin with "copper" coated? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: onemilimeter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2011, 07:14:42 pm
content: I saw before BNC's centre pin with tin, silver, or gold coated. Do we have "copper" coated centre pin?Do you think the centre pin shown in figure below is "gold" coated or "copper coated?Cheers

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2011, 09:53:18 pm
content: Quality BNC connectors use gold or silver plating. Its ultimate about obtaining the connector's best frequency response, the maximum specification of resistance of the center pin and the rated number of connect/disconnect cycles. As connectors are made by so many, most have no published traceable source, a buyer may not know what its really made of unless the brand is clearly marked and documented.Most GHz capable devices don't use BNC anyway, but will move up to SMA or TNC.I did a small test sometime ago between a low cost Amphenol Connex T and Y's adapters and a no-name to 100MHz. The signals were transparent to the connector with all the Amphenols, but some no-name added distortion. Others from another batch did not fit properly. The difference in cost was $1.00-0.50 each between the Amphenol and no name brand. Amphenol typically is engraved on the body, and while it could be counterfeit, its preferrable to buy it from an authorized distributor, such as Jameco.comhttp://www.amphenolrf.com/products/bnc.asp?N=0&sid=4E125400198E617F&

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2011, 10:07:26 pm
content: Quote from: onemilimeter on July 05, 2011, 07:14:42 pmNop, no "gold" coated, if it is made in China.And at it best, it would be beryllium copper, if it was made by Pomona.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 05, 2011, 10:36:04 pm
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on July 05, 2011, 10:07:26 pmGold plated brassactually. Beryllium is typically used for springy parts. Wouldn't surprise me if it was made in China. The data sheet says 'made in USA', but that may just be the data sheet.

author: gregariz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2011, 12:07:58 am
content: Copper is not a stable contact material, ie it oxidizes and looks green- I'm not saying that some cut price manufacturer doesnt make them - but I've never seen them. Berilium copper likewise. Both will be plated with something like Gold, silver, tin or other stable plate. If your pin looks yellow its probably a copper or brass pin with a gold plate.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2011, 12:20:04 am
content: I am not aware if Pomona use Gold plated brass on the male ones.But at the female ones, like this adapter in the picture,they just say beryllium copper.Currently your chances are 95% to get an gold painted than " plated "( speaking about the no-name stuff )

author: gregariz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2011, 12:24:51 am
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on July 06, 2011, 12:20:04 amBanana plugs will always be beryllium copper because it is spring material - but nickel plated never the less

author: onemilimeter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2011, 09:50:57 am
content: Quote from: gregariz on July 06, 2011, 12:07:58 amThe one shown in the picture attached in my first post looks yellow. It looks to me that it's with gold "plated" or "painted" (as suggested by Kiriakos-GR). I asked the sell and he insisted it's "copper" plated. Confused...

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2011, 12:13:17 pm
content: Quote from: onemilimeter on July 06, 2011, 09:50:57 amJust say goodbye to the seller and move on.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 06, 2011, 08:52:28 pm
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on July 06, 2011, 12:20:04 amI think it's quite clear in the data sheet I linked to. I expect other brands like Amphenol to be similar.Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on July 06, 2011, 12:20:04 amThePomona version, which is likely identical to the Fluke version apart from the brand, since Fluke owns Pomona, states gold plated brass. The beryllium copper clearly refers to the banana plug.