Are we having fun yet?


I have been experimenting with waveguide antenna, and have had generally
good results with most variations (except the one made with aluminium
flyscreen), but have begun having second thoughts about the connectors I am
using. My first attempt seems to have had the best reults, despite (or
perhaps because) using an "F" type (TV) 75 ohm connector on the
waveguide itself. 

Most designs I have seen so far suggest an "N" connector and a
few use BNC. "N" fittings are not available locally except by
special order, and I judged BNC to be too prone to deterioration from the
pervasive moisture through much of the year, and salt spray of winter
storms (the ocean may only about 100' away and upwind at high tide in a
storm). The only threaded fitting easily available here for 50 ohm cable
was a "PL 255" (is this a "P" type connector?) as is
used on CB and VHF radios. 

When I converted to the "PL 255" from the "F"
connector, I seem to have lost about half my signal strength. Is this
indeed the cause, or am I just contending with the overabundance of maple
leaves that appeared with spring. Will BNC connections be any better? How
much risk do I run of damaging the transmitter if I return to using 75 ohm
connectors?

Any thoughts?



   ... It could be worse ...
Paul

--- Msged/LNX 6.1.1