N connector to BNC adapter

[Tcp14Gd]

I’m a city apartment dweller with an SDS200. No outdoor antenna possible. I took heed of a posting in a forum here and tried a flat HDTV antenna. I was pleasantly surprised.

My question involves the antenna connection. Forgive me if I get my facts or nomenclature wrong.

I believe the antennas use a 75 ohm N connector.

I’d appreciate any observations on the adapter I should use to convert this to the BNC connector for the scanner.

Because I read there are physical differences between 50 and 75 ohm N connectors, creating potential for damage to the connector or alternately, a poor connection.
I feel the connection is a little flaky with the adapter I’m presently using.

And does the difference between the 75 ohm antenna and the 50 ohm connection on the scanner affect the choice of adapter at all?



Many thanks to all...

Mike

 

[Quickcall]

What are you using now? How long of a feed line are we talking?

 

[mmckenna]

I’m a city apartment dweller with an SDS200. No outdoor antenna possible. I took heed of a posting in a forum here and tried a flat HDTV antenna. I was pleasantly surprised.

My question involves the antenna connection. Forgive me if I get my facts or nomenclature wrong.

I believe the antennas use a 75 ohm N connector.

Extremely unlikely that a consumer TV antenna uses an N connector.
It's likely an F connector, but if you can share a photo or link to the specific antenna, we can assist. There are some other connector types used in other parts of the country, and since we don't know where you are, it's going to take a photo or link to be sure.

I’d appreciate any observations on the adapter I should use to convert this to the BNC connector for the scanner.

Because I read there are physical differences between 50 and 75 ohm N connectors, creating potential for damage to the connector or alternately, a poor connection.
I feel the connection is a little flaky with the adapter I’m presently using.

And does the difference between the 75 ohm antenna and the 50 ohm connection on the scanner affect the choice of adapter at all?

75Ω versus 50Ω in a consumer scanner application doesn't matter.

As for the 50Ω versus 75Ω BNC connectors, any of them made in the last few decades are cross compatible. If you are having issues with yours, it's more than likely an inexpensive adapter that has some sloppy tolerances.

 

[Tcp14Gd]

It's just an inexpensive consumer product but it seems to work. The cable is no more than 10 foot. It's just that I read the N connector has a different size center pin depending on whether it's a 75ohm version or 50ohm version. So I'm thinking if I get the wrong female N connector on the adapter I'd either damage it if the pin's to big, or have a lousy connection if the pin's too small.

But if, looking at the photo, you're saying it's actually an F connector is the point moot?? Should I just get a quality "F connector female to BNC male" adapter?? If so, any suggestions of quality brand names?

And many thanks for your attention. Stay well.

Mike

 

[prcguy]

It's just an inexpensive consumer product but it seems to work. The cable is no more than 10 foot. It's just that I read the N connector has a different size center pin depending on whether it's a 75ohm version or 50ohm version. So I'm thinking if I get the wrong female N connector on the adapter I'd either damage it if the pin's to big, or have a lousy connection if the pin's too small.

But if, looking at the photo, you're saying it's actually an F connector is the point moot?? Should I just get a quality "F connector female to BNC male" adapter?? If so, any suggestions of quality brand names?

And many thanks for your attention. Stay well.

Mike

That's a male F connector, typical for all TV stuff. Lots of choices for adapters and if not locally available you can get them from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Togconn-Connector-Adapter-Coaxial-Coupler/dp/B0DC6F1PWX/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3AWXCPVX5CJQT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4NZ7UX8oiQSK1FhdoFcGsQBPe8riZd8-IzOaNj-XmyPq7zzGv-2870TjU6HvmXug3BOwfBQnWM3Kr2sJcWMdTE1IFtneWs96zmLj-TbBSKOoHqcd0i15Cv0U3xzhCB11CnMFT_kqRtY7UH27GczRPDOtiwaN3u2fLP8M5ILmT7J5TmAD41k6QVCFtx7yZ6884_VOgTWRfBbk8jakrEmLsYzjXNakXC8JO9YrL1v_F44.r72CFSD9bL9KntdRkyvRPz1BNPs2XmkCshgTYsuvzZY&dib_tag=se&keywords=f%2Bto%2Bbnc%2Badapter&qid=1743791092&sprefix=f%2Bto%2Bbnc%2Bada%2Caps%2C338&sr=8-4&th=1