What type of RF connector is this? (Similar to an F connector) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / rf-microwave

author: Drirr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 06:38:36 pm
content: Hi,I am trying to find out what type of RF connector is used on the Hakko FX-100.At first, I thought they used a common F connector, but the dimensions are quite different.The inner thread diameter is approximately 8.7 mm.The pin diameter is approximately 1.2 mm.Any ideas? I don't want to believe they designed a completely new type of connector...

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 06:56:47 pm
content: It wouldn’t surprise me whatsoever if it were a custom connector. It’s not as though that is a complex design by any means.The thread dimensions you state sound about right for an F connector. Could it be simply an F with a fatter center pin? That’d be a trivial custom job for a connector manufacturer.

author: Drirr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 07:17:13 pm
content: @tooki You are right, it seems to have an F-type connector thread but with a different pin size.This means the project I planned is doomed because I can't buy this one.Thanks!

author: nali
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 07:57:03 pm
content: I'd say that is probably a FME connector, they used to be fairly common on mobile data terminals.Edit: No, not a FMEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FME_connector

author: ftg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 08:38:36 am
content: If it is not FME, then it could be Mini-UHF.But the characteristic two anti-rotatio notches of Mini-UHF are not seen in the image.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 09:59:53 am
content: Quote from: nali on March 23, 2025, 07:57:03 pmOP’s measured thread dimension would not match this.

author: nali
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 11:04:06 am
content: Quote from: tooki on March 24, 2025, 09:59:53 amYou're right... I found a FME adapter in my box of bits, it's 7.3mm ID

author: mtwieg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 04:12:13 pm
content: Pretty sure that Metcal uses a custom coax connector for their MX500/5000 stations, wouldn't be surprised if Hakko did so as well.

author: wkb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 10:42:18 pm
content: Metcal uses a thicker center pin than an F connector. The outside nut thread fits a F connector.

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 11:09:53 pm
content: A normal male F connector uses the center conductor of the coax cable instead of a pin (usually 20 AWG solid wire).

author: JoanBS
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 11:35:10 pm
content: It could be a mini UHF. The thread is 3/8" (~9mm).https://www.koax24.de/en/product-info/connectors/picture-gallery-50r/mini-uhf-series.html

author: wkb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2025, 08:34:12 am
content: Quote from: TimFox on March 24, 2025, 11:09:53 pmI know. With some trickery & pokery and by using coax with a thick center conductor I managed to extend both my Metcal cables. You then also have to find (or hack..) an F female-female junction.All doable, albeit a bit of a hack..

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2025, 08:28:07 pm
content: Quote from: TimFox on March 24, 2025, 11:09:53 pmYes, on normal full-size cables. F connectors for oddball cables use a real pin since the conductor is the wrong size.