Suggestion for GRE - BNC connectors

[wwhitby]

I had brought this up on the PRO-96 email list, but since i've been told that GRE reads these forums, i'll post it here for them.

My suggestion would be for GRE to incorporate a better, more durable BNC connector into their scanners, or to eliminate sheilding soldered to the PC board that prevents a capable user from replacing the BNC connector themsleves. Because digital-capable scanners are so expensive, I can only purchase one and that one will do double duty as both a handheld and a mobile. That's what i've done with my PRO-96 for the last three years.

Because of frequent antenna switching, the lugs on the BNC connector on my PRO-96 are about 1/3-1/2 gone. I'm not able to replace it myself, since the connector is sheilded with metal "boxes" soldered to the PC-board. Sending it back to Radio Shack is not an option, since they will have to replace the PC-board as well as the connector, and that runs around $200.

So GRE, if you're listening, how about a better, more durable BNC connector on the new PSR series, or make it where a capable user can replace the connector themselves.

Warren

 

[bc780l]

On the other hand, I don't dislike the SMA connector on my 396. Uniden was kind enough to provide a decent SMA to BNC adapter, which I generally leave on full time. This allows me to use an updated quality antenna with the quick change to an external antenna, courtesy of the BNC connection. If the BNC side were to wear out, Uniden sells the same adapter--easy replacement and no stress on the internal SMA adapte. Sort'a the best of both worlds?

 

[wwhitby]

My experience with the BNC on my PRO-96 has made me realize that the SMA or even the MX connector is much better. If GRE couldn't go with a quality BNC, at least they should go with an SMA and provide a BNC adapter.

You'd figure that on a $500 scanner, the BNC would be much better.....

 

[mancow]

I wish they would all go to TNC.

 

[DiGiTaLD]

I wish they would all go to TNC.

Definitely. I've never cared for BNC connectors on portable radios. SMA wouldn't be a bad option either. Plenty of commercial portables use SMA.

 

[n4jri]

I had to look hard at this when I bought my PRO-96, and made a decision that I would not use it with a mobile antenna. Instead, I'd just stick it in my cupholder with an 800 MHz duckie. Results have been phenomenal with some trunking systems trackable at 50 miles.

And because I never change antennas, my connections on all radios are in great shape!

Using an SMA or TNC that could be adapted for BNC is a great idea, though. I hope that GRE is reading the mail...

73/Allen (N4JRI)

 

[unitcharlie]

So GRE, if you're listening, how about a better, more durable BNC connector on the new PSR series, or make it where a capable user can replace the connector themselves. Warren

AMEN!!!

As soon as my PRO 96 passsed that out-of-warranty threshold I changed the BNC to a much more durable model that, were it featured in a pick-up truck commercial, would be described as "Professional Grade". Like Warren, I can't justify the purchase of numerous scanners to use exclusively as handheld or mobile so mine does multi-duty. The numerous scanners I own are pressed into service with specific tasks that includes changing antennae from mobile to handheld frequently. SMA would be nice, for my purposes TNC would be too delicate; BNC would be very good were the applaince more durable--with better lugs and the internal connection more than two wires that will be pushed into the insulation over a short period of time.

 

[wwhitby]

Come to think of it, when I was in the Civil Air Patrol, we had a bunch of Vertex VX-400s that we used for field training, special events, etc. Those radios were beaten on and beaten up for 6-7 years, and since they were stored sans antenna, the antennas were screwed in and unscrewed frequently over the years.

The SMA connectors never stripped out, broke, or became damaged. Maybe its time to go SMA instead of BNC for scanners? I'm definately leaning that way!

Warren

 

[wwhitby]

As soon as my PRO 96 passsed that out-of-warranty threshold I changed the BNC to a much more durable model that, were it featured in a pick-up truck commercial, would be described as "Professional Grade".

How did you go about doing this? From looking at my PRO-96, the sheild is heavily soldered to the board, and the epoxy blob covers part of the other side.

I've even though about using a cut off wheel on my Dremel tool to cut away part of the sheilding, but I don't want to damage anything because of vibration.

Warren

 

[unitcharlie]

It took a while... gentle application of heat from an old soldering iron softened the blob enough to allow me to pick it away with a probe; quick heating and use of some really absorbent solder removal braid got me to the inside of the "tamper" box. The box has remained off since and not a minute of trouble since.... one of the other 96's I maintain at work needed a quick fix and just took the top of the box off by carefully clipping it with a pair of very small wire cutters (it was broken in the field and was needed in the field without time to return to a more "controlled" repair facility) .

 

[proquist96]

Gre-bnc

My BNC is wearing too, i think i will get a bnc to bnc adapter and do my antenna swaps from the adapter so i dont wear out the scanner anymore. Maybe gre can throw in a bnc ext. for the new scanners.

 

[n4voxgill]

i use a BC235, 245, Pro95, Pro96 and have never had a bnc problem. I have several mobiles that also have bnc and on my 2096 i got worried that it was so hard to get to the connector when taking the scanner out of the car or putting it back that i bought BNC male to female connector and left it in place. also the wear is on it, not the bnc on the scanner. I think this is fixing something that is not broken

 

[wwhitby]

I think this is fixing something that is not broken

To me, it is a problem. I don't like using adapters, since they can put more stress on the BNC connector. My fear is that with a BNC-BNC adapter, using it outside of the car with a rubber duck antenna, or putting it into my bag for storage, the adapter could get hit and break the BNC.

Not to mention, I pay $500 for a scanner and get a poor quality BNC connector??

Warren

 

[loumaag]

For those people how have a need to connect and disconnect a lot and/or subject the scanner to rough handling the BNC connector wearing problem is real. I have not experienced it (except on a Uniden BC80XLT) although I will admit that I have never been happy with the BNC fit in any case. I figure anything that can be moved an appreciable amount after attaching has got to have a better solution.

SMA does not have this "wiggle" problem and I suspect that (unless you are very heavy handed) constant screwing on and off will not have the same effect as the constant BNC connect/disconnect. TNC "could" be an alternative, but TNC tipped antennas are few (I have never seen one), size is in the same ball park as BNC so if the manufacturers were looking to shrink down then that is no advantage. SMA has the additional advantage of weather proofing availability and I am none too sure that is the case for TNC and know it is not the case for BNC (despite claims to the contrary.)

All in all, I would not be adverse to seeing a shift to SMA connectors on scanners, just as I would not be adverse to seeing the venerable UHF connector disappear from ham equipment in lieu of 'N' connectors.

 

[yaesumofo]

A good solution is the one Uniden adopted. Build the radio with an SMA connector, then give a sma to BNC adapter. Rely in the adapter to take the brunt of those antenna changes. When it gets worn out replace it.
The other solution is to have a BnC connector made form Titanium. Those little knobs will likely NEVER wear out like they do with the standard units.
It wasn't that long ago that these connectors were made from silver or at least the were plated with silver.
I am pretty sure i have some old solid silver connectors. They will not last that well either.

Using a material like titanium for the BnC connector would be expensive but it would also last the life of the radio.

I have an AOR 8000 (actually a few of them) The quality of the STOCK BnC is crap...the same on most of today's modern radios. There are Premium BnC connectors available not only are they more durable but they make better contact with the antenna PIN part of the BnC male connector.
When I replaced the crapy BnC connector on this particular AOR 8000 I was able to notice an increase in performance. Maybe it was subjective. But signals seem stronger ...Go ahead and call me crazy But knowing how important an antenna is the connector is just about as important.
If you have a radio that Has a worn out BnC connector I highly recommend that you choose a Premium connector to be installed.

Today we can either use adapters that wear out and get replaced, create new indestructible connectors or simply use Premium connectors when we replace crappy old ones.
Yaesumofo

 

[neilbell]

Using BNC to SMA adapter

I bought several BNC-SMA connectors whicj I use on my BNC scanners. That way I can use the reliable SMA antennas on my GRE scanners without worrying about wear on the BNC connector. Works great!

Neil

 

[n4jri]

One suggestion that I've heard is to put a conductive lubricant on the BNC to keep the bayonet posts from wearing so quickly.

73/Allen (N4JRI)

 

[ratboy]

All they need to do is use a decent BNC, they "split ring" type center pin recepticle. I had an Icom HT that I swapped antennas on for over 14 years, and had no problems. The junk connector used on scanners is a "fork" type, and either loses tension, or it eventually breaks. I have replaced many many BNC connectors on Uniden, RS, and Regency scanners over the years.

 

[exkalibur]

What they really need is to use the SMA connector that commercial radios use. Basically the reverse of what the 396 has. This would allow you to use far superior commerical band-specific antennas on the scanner.

 

[K2QI]

My 500 is less than a month old; already the bottom of the BNC lugs are wearing out. They're starting to develop flat spots so to speak. I swap antennas out alot depending on what I'm in the mood to listen too.

I agree with everyone here; GRE should have used a stronger, more durable BNC connector or gone with an SMA connector.

I wonder how much GRE would charge to replace the BNC connector?