N or PL-259 Connectors on 50' Coax

[jtderby]

So I'm going to make the jump and put an antenna in the attic for my scanner (currently just a BC125AT but I'll be upgrading that later). I think I've zeroed in on a Diamond D130J or D130NJ which are the same price. Difference being the connector from what I can tell. I already have an unused 50' length of DX Engineering's 400MAX with PL-259 connectors on both ends that I bought for an earlier project I didn't go with. Question is, do I use that cable or is there a substantial difference in going with the N connector on the D130NJ to justify ordering a new length of coax with N connectors? In either case, I'll need a jumper to go from that coax to the scanner's BNC female. And yes, I know attic placement isn't the best but putting it outside was denied by the wife and it's not a hill I'm prepared to die on.

 

[tweiss3]

It all depends on what bands/frequencies you intend to listen to. The long and short, no, the difference is so minor between the two in your application, used what you have.

 

[jwt873]

What tweiss3 says...

Plus, I don't think that buying a whole new 50 foot cable just to upgrade to N connectors would be worth it..

 

[jtderby]

I figured it wasn't worth the cost of new coax but wanted a second opinion. Thank you!

 

[ko6jw_2]

I have tested the D130NJ and found that there is a slight advantage with the N version at UHF frequencies. Just change out the connectors. If you are not familiar with attaching connectors, get someone to help you. The N connectors are actually easier to attach then PL259's. You only need to change the antenna end.

 

[jtderby]

I have tested the D130NJ and found that there is a slight advantage with the N version at UHF frequencies. Just change out the connectors. If you are not familiar with attaching connectors, get someone to help you. The N connectors are actually easier to attach then PL259's. You only need to change the antenna end.

I hadn't considered that option. Thank you.

 

[mmckenna]

Just to reinforce what others said.

There is an advantage to the N connectors. If you were building this all new with new components, it's worth it.
But if you already have the coax, I'd not get hung up on it.

There will be a minor ding to performance, but you're already going to run the antenna in the attic, which is less than ideal, and LMR-400 for that long a run is less than ideal.

Go with what you got an enjoy it. No one will know what connectors are installed. If the minor additional losses become an issue, you'd be better served by moving the antenna outside anyway.

 

[ko6jw_2]

I should mention the differences between PL259 and N connectors was a slightly lower SWR in the UHF range. This probably makes no practical difference for a receive only setup. For transmitting there wasn't any difference worth mentioning either.