SDS100/SDS200: Antenna thread on issue

[WeBeCinYa]

I have an SDS100 and when tightening a new Remtronix antenna I noticed it doesn’t get tight but will continue to thread and spin. Signal works fine but my ocd doesn’t like it just not tightening firm. Anyone else had this? I tried another antenna and did the same so it’s not antenna but actual thread on unit.

 

[tvengr]

You need the REM-820S for the SDS100. The standard SMA 800 MHz antenna does not fit the SDS100.

 

[WeBeCinYa]

You need the REM-820S for the SDS100.

That is what I have. Along with a 820. Both thread on the same and will continue to turn.

 

[tvengr]

Check that the nut on the scanner antenna connector did not unthread when you removed the stock antenna. That could prevent the antenna from threading on. Does the stock antenna thread on OK? If not, it could be the nut. Take a look at the threads on the scanner antenna connector also. Hopefully, the whole antenna connector is not rotating.

 

[WeBeCinYa]

The antennas thread on, they just keep rotating when they get all the way down. The antenna stays threaded on but it should stop and tighten in place. It semi tightens but will still rotate which drives me nuts.

 

[jonwienke]

It's probably a sleeve over the metal part of the connector on the antenna slipping. The SMA connector on the radio has two nuts securing it, plus the solder tab connecting it to the circuit board. If it was turning, it would break the solder connections to the RF board.

This photo shows the inner nut and the notch for the solder tab:

20180606_115454.jpg

JPG Image

1drv.ms

 

[WeBeCinYa]

It's probably a sleeve over the metal part of the connector on the antenna slipping. The SMA connector on the radio has two nuts securing it, plus the solder tab connecting it to the circuit board. If it was turning, it would break the solder connections to the RF board.

This photo shows the inner nut and the notch for the solder tab:

20180606_115454.jpg

JPG Image

1drv.ms

Thanks Jon. How would I correct it on the antenna? I ordered a new antenna thinking that would sort it but they both do the same.

 

[jonwienke]

Don't. It's probably a design feature to prevent overtightening. You don't need to tighten much, as long as the connection is tight enough not to wobble, it's fine.

 

[WeBeCinYa]

I’m still irritated with this antenna issue. I assume I broke something. The antenna never truly tightens, it will spin and have some resistance then goes loose. I can’t figure out what is the issue though since the antenna internals are soldered to the board.
Shouldn’t the antenna tighten in place and be firm?

 

[WeBeCinYa]

Best way to describe is I must have turned it past the point of tight and a thread broke on the actual antenna mount on the unit.

 

[jonwienke]

Best way to describe is I must have turned it past the point of tight and a thread broke on the actual antenna mount on the unit.

If that was the case, the SMA connector would fall off. Is it possible you stripped the threads on the antenna or radio from overtightening, but didn't break the connector off the radio? There are multiple nuts and solder connections that would have to loosen or fail for the SMA connector to rotate in the radio.

 

[WeBeCinYa]

If that was the case, the SMA connector would fall off. Is it possible you stripped the threads on the antenna or radio from overtightening, but didn't break the connector off the radio? There are multiple nuts and solder connections that would have to loosen or fail for the SMA connector to rotate in the radio.

I believe I stripped the threads on the radio connector. Last thing I want to do is send in for service for soldier work, we know how that goes.

 

[jonwienke]

Can you post a photo of the connector?

 

[WeBeCinYa]

I tried to take a pic. Threads are too small for my iPhone to focus in on. When I look closely looks like the top thread or two are stripped. I guess it’s going to be one of those things you live with. Or I could try some bonding agent and permanently affix it.

 

[hiegtx]

I tried to take a pic. Threads are too small for my iPhone to focus in on. When I look closely looks like the top thread or two are stripped. I guess it’s going to be one of those things you live with. Or I could try some bonding agent and permanently affix it.

If you are going to try to "permanently" fix it by bonding in place, you might use the SMA->BNC adapter. That way, you'd still have the avility to switch antennas. But that would, or course, rule out using your new Remtronix antenna (presuming you ordered the SMA version, as I did).

 

[jonwienke]

If the antenna is only engaging one or two threads, its probably not connecting very well.

 

[jonwienke]

An adapter might engage the threads correctly, too.

 

[WeBeCinYa]

I’m getting great reception using the Remtronix even with the issue. -40dBm on the P2 system I monitor. It looks like there are at least 6-8 threads and the one striped is the top or first one.

it functions fine and the antenna never spins off it’s screwed on enough to stay just my OCD likes perfect. I guess this one will become the beater and I’ll get another.

 

[WeBeCinYa]

If I sent this in for repair would it require the entire sma connector be removed and replaced? I don’t think it can get worse but just knowing it’s stripped is annoying. This was simply done by not paying attention to how far to tighten antenna.

 

[tvengr]

If you use a SMA/BNC adapter, make sure that you use the one specifically designed for the SDS100. The diameter of the standard adapter is too large to fit into the recessed hole to properly engage the threads of the connector.