Magnetic coax connector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: electrolust
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 11:24:47 am
content: Is there any magnetic connector that would work for RG58 cable? For a UHF radio antenna.

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 01:57:33 pm
content: You may have to give us your definition of what a "magnetic connector" means to you. Here is a magnetic mounted antenna mount for operation on say a rental car. So does that work or do you mean something else?https://www.hamcity.com/store/pc/MFJ-335BT-p1859.htm

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 03:20:04 pm
content: The only thing I could find is this:http://www.polamco.com/magnetic-connector/

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 03:27:06 pm
content: Oh I get it....What is the benifit of such a connector?

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 03:46:29 pm
content: Quote from: AF6LJ on February 19, 2016, 03:27:06 pmOne thing that comes to mind is walking/driving away while forgetting that the stuff is still connected. It saves you from ripping the cable or your equipment apart or dragging it around behind your car.

author: electrolust
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 05:41:29 pm
content: I will mount the antenna on a removable maintenance panel. The panel is frequently removed and requires 2 hands. Having a magnetic connector will vastly ease this, especially panel installation.The polamco one looks just the ticket.

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 06:07:36 pm
content: Push connect connectors may also be an option in your situation. Not sure of the availability of the above connectors, or what cost range you're looking for, if they are available, they look nice. But if they aren't, SMP connectors may be viable, male socket on the panel and frame, a bullet, regular or spring loaded between them, you can get wide mouth variants to guide it in, and they have a shocking amount of flex while making a good connection.Havent used them but Fakra connectors are also potentially usable. I think they are SMC connectors with plastic shrouding added to help with mating.

author: Richard Head
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 07:57:15 pm
content: That's what was needed on the old drive-in theater speakers. So you don't rip your car window out.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 08:10:21 pm
content: Quote from: PA0PBZ on February 19, 2016, 03:46:29 pmI have never done that.......

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 08:12:13 pm
content: Speed connectors are commonplace in two way radio. There is the speed connector adapter you can replace the threaded barrel with on a PL-259.

author: electrolust
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 09:08:19 pm
content: Yeah I can't find a distributor for the polamco magnetic. I've made in inquiry directly but I doubt I'll get an answer I like and in unit quantities.I couldn't find something called a "speed connector", can you clarify?One interesting connector I found is an "SMB positive snap".http://www.pasternack.com/smb-positive-snap-plug-standard-rg59-rg62-connector-pe44442-p.aspxBut it's 75 ohm and I thought I would need 50 ohm. As I said this is for a UHF antenna, can I get away with 75 ohm?The polamco doesn't specify impedance but it does have a 5mm cable entry which would correspond to RG58.

author: electrolust
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 20, 2016, 11:25:00 am
content: Found the QMA connector, which is available at a not too crazy price.