BNC Adapter for SMA Radios
As mentioned in the radio reviews, one item on our wish list for radio features was a BNC antenna terminal. As any photographer who ever used a Pentax or other M-42 thread mount camera learned long ago knows, bayonet mounts are faster, more secure, and far less subject to problems than threaded mounts. So it seemed logical to us that we would use a similar arrangement here.
If we wanted to use only the supplied antenna, the SMA connection on various radios would be fine. But there are several problems with that. The advice from everyone we talked to indicated that we'd want to replace the stock antenna with something that performed better. We wanted to be able to use a magnet mount antenna while mobile; we also wanted to use a shorter antenna in "everyday" situations, but switch to a longer one if needed. We had also heard that SMA mounts are not designed for frequent changing of the antenna anyway, and would wear out if we persisted in doing that.
Since we had several BNC antennas, including one for the car, we first tried the generic BNC adapter. Electrically, it functioned well, but it was a pain to get on, with a smallish lock nut that moved independently of the rest of the adapter, and thus nearly impossible to position.
At that point, we found WA3HRL's page, which showed a neat adapter that screws onto the SMA terminal like an antenna. They have a rubber boot which protects their innards and provides support. The adapters can be left in place, but you can remove them with no trouble if you wish. Since that time, we've been satisfied users of these adapters, and are glad to recommend them.
Caution!
Many people express concern about using an adapter of this sort, reasoning that a good tug or knock could pull the socket out of the radio, or at least damage the connection. That's true. However, Stephen's adapters are designed to break if subjected to such force. This has saved us an expensive repair at least once. If this has happened, you'll have two pieces in your hand, as pictured.
On the other hand, if your adapter won't tighten down, it has probably been over-tightened at some point, resulting in breaking the locking mechanism. You can make a quick repair by pulling the rubber boot off the adapter and putting a bit of gap-filling super glue in between the nut and main body.
Where to get them
This is an updated list of the radio models that the adapters will fit:
- Part # BGA-76: Yaesu VX-5R, VX-1R; Icom IC-Q7A, IC-M1V, IC-F50, M88 (Marine); Kenwood: TH-D7, TH-G71, TH-59; Alinco: DJ-V5; Standard: C508A, C510A; Radio Shack: HTX-200, HTX-400, HTX-420; Uniden: BCD-396T, BR-330T, ATLANTIS (Marine)
- Part # BGA-77: Icom IC-T90A, IC-91A, IC-92AD, IC-T8A, IC-T81A, IC-R2, IC-R5; Radio Shack: HTX-245
- Part # BGA-78: Yaesu: FT-50-R, VX-10, VXA-100, VX-800
- Part # BGA-79: Yaesu: FT-60-R, VX-150, VX-110, VXA-120
- Part # BGA-80: Yaesu: VX-2R, VX-3R, VX-6R, VX-7R, VXA-700, VX-170 (Mod); Kenwood: TH-F6A, TH-K2AT; Alinco: DJ-X3, DJ-S40, DJ-V17T
- PayPal: Total cost for one adapter shipped is $14.95
( $11.95 + $2.00 S+H + $1.00 (Paypal transaction fee) - Total cost for two adapters shipped is $27.90
( $11.95 ea. + $2.00 S+H +$2.00 (Paypal transaction fee) - Paypal account email address : gulyas@earthlink.net
- For check or money order payment :
Total cost for one adapter shipped is: $13.95
Total cost for two adapters shipped is $25.90
( $11.95 ea. + $2.00 S+H ) - Remit to: STEPHEN G. GULYAS, 706 LALOR ST., TRENTON, N.J. 08610
- Questions: e-mail Steve, KC2BHO
- date: 25 November 2008
revised 19 October 2009; original 25 November 2008