Wireless Hacks

Microwave Connector Reference

Be able to tell one microwave connector from another with this field reference.

So you have the radio, an antenna, and a length of cable. How do you connect them together? You need to use connectors that work well in the 2.4 GHz range, fit the kind of cabling you’re using, and mate with each other. Practically all common connectors have two halves, a male and a female (or a pin and a socket). A few of the more exotic types (such as the APC-7; see later in this section) are sexless, so any connector will match up with any other. Here are the most common connectors you are likely to encounter in the microwave bestiary.

The BNC (Figure 4-16) is a small, cheap connector using a quick-connect half turn (the same connector found on 10base2 Ethernet). The BNC isn’t well suited for 2.4 GHz use, but is mentioned here because, with the death of 10base2, the connectors are frequently sold for pennies per pound. Don’t be tempted.

Figure 4-16. BNC is the “Bayonet Neill Concelman” connector.

The TNC (Figure 4-17) is a threaded version of the BNC. The fine threads help eliminate leakage at microwave frequencies. TNCs work well all the way through 12 GHz, and are usually used with smaller (and higher-loss) cable.

Figure 4-17. TNC is a threaded BNC.

An N connector (Figure ...