Bnc-f to sma-f antenna extension cable/adapters?

[Moab]

I want to convert my UV5Rs to BNC. I want to buy adapters to direct mount bnc antennas and extension cables for layering the antenna into a chest rig or pack.

Signal Stick sells these:

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I assume those mount flush at the antenna connection point? These are $5 each. And don't look or have specs any different from any others that are less expensive. I do prefer the black though.

I found these chrome ones for $11 for 8pcs on Amazon. I could just paint the visible ring black.

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QLXHBOT 8Pcs SMA Female to BNC Female Convert Adapter for Two Way Radio BaoFeng UV-5R FD-880 https://a.co/d/er6HbLE

I only found one cable in the 18"-24" range. Will these fit flush? Or is there another sma-f connectors I should look for?

Cont.

[Moab]

These are the cables. They are 20".

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I'm almost sure these are all made in China. And there are hundreds of selections on AliExpress for less than $2. Could probably even find all black. But paint and shrink tubing is cheap.

[Moab]

Found this extension for $2.30 in RG58. 50cm - about 20". I also found it in a similar price and length using RG174. Is the RG58 to stiff for routing it in a chest rig?

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Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! 
$2.35 | SMA Male Female to BNC Jack Plug Pigtail Cable Adapter RG58 30CM/50CM/100CM/200CM Wholesale NEW
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKQtBNq

[Moab]

Think I'm just gonna buy these. Both listings include sma-f to bnc- f. And I would be very surprised if they are any different from what is being sold in Amazon. I did get the thicker RG58 cables 

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! 
$1.15 | BNC SMA Adapters BNC (Q9) Female to SMA Male Female Disc Adapter Gold Silver Black Nickel Plated RF Connector
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNIrOUs

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! 
$2.35 | SMA Male Female to BNC Jack Plug Pigtail Cable Adapter RG58 30CM/50CM/100CM/200CM Wholesale NEW
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLaJeiG

[NT2C]

Those cables you showed are all SMA-M

[Moab]

Those cables you showed are all SMA-M

So that won't work for a UV5R? Damnit.

Would you mind going to that cable link and posting a pic of the one I need? The adapter is the same one as being sold by Signal Stick for the Baofeng UV5R(?).

[Moab]

I need this one.

Just realized I hadn't placed the order! Cool.

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[NT2C]

I'll give you two tips.

SMA connectors like this tend to unscrew themselves with movement.  But if you slip a rubber O-ring over that threaded part and then screw it in the O-ring will add enough friction to keep it pretty secure.  If you need more security though you can slip the cord under the belt clip on the radio.  It'll keep it from twisting.

I do that last trick with mic cords when I'm working an event.  It keeps them from getting unplugged when tugged on.

[Moab]

I'll give you two tips.

SMA connectors like this tend to unscrew themselves with movement.  But if you slip a rubber O-ring over that threaded part and then screw it in the O-ring will add enough friction to keep it pretty secure.  If you need more security though you can slip the cord under the belt clip on the radio.  It'll keep it from twisting.

I do that last trick with mic cords when I'm working an event.  It keeps them from getting unplugged when tugged on.

That's the right one I posted last right?

Any idea which o ring I need?

[NT2C]

I'll give you two tips.

SMA connectors like this tend to unscrew themselves with movement.  But if you slip a rubber O-ring over that threaded part and then screw it in the O-ring will add enough friction to keep it pretty secure.  If you need more security though you can slip the cord under the belt clip on the radio.  It'll keep it from twisting.

I do that last trick with mic cords when I'm working an event.  It keeps them from getting unplugged when tugged on.

That's the right one I posted last right?

Any idea which o ring I need?

I forget what size O-rings I use.  I just grab one out of the kit I got from Harbor Freight, try it and see if I guessed right.

The last pic you posted was an SMA-F, which will thread in just fine on the radio.


(this would totally not be a good time to tell you about RP-SMA connectors that have their pins reversed, so don't read this)

[Moab]

I'll give you two tips.

SMA connectors like this tend to unscrew themselves with movement.  But if you slip a rubber O-ring over that threaded part and then screw it in the O-ring will add enough friction to keep it pretty secure.  If you need more security though you can slip the cord under the belt clip on the radio.  It'll keep it from twisting.

I do that last trick with mic cords when I'm working an event.  It keeps them from getting unplugged when tugged on.

That's the right one I posted last right?

Any idea which o ring I need?

I forget what size O-rings I use.  I just grab one out of the kit I got from Harbor Freight, try it and see if I guessed right.

The last pic you posted was an SMA-F, which will thread in just fine on the radio.


(this would totally not be a good time to tell you about RP-SMA connectors that have their pins reversed, so don't read this)

Lmao! I won't ask either.

I almost bought one of those kits last time I was there. Now I have an excuse. Lol 

[MacWa77ace]

i've used these type as an adapter for a magnetic mobile antenna and they break, went thru a couple before I gave up. SMA to PL-259 though. Don't buy anything like this unless your setting up a base station that will not be moved. Definitely not for HT's.



I went with standard not BNC so I could use the standard UV5R antenna's. I did customize the jumper a little bit and had to add a spacer/gromet where it attached to the radio to make it sturdier in case of bumpage.

Those are vacuum system 'nipples' that I cut to go over the ends and make it water resistant connections.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R7Q3PTX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this is what it looks like without customization.

[Moab]

Quote from: MacWa77ace on 9/4/2024, 8:06:53 AMi've used these type as an adapter for a magnetic mobile antenna and they break, went thru a couple before I gave up. SMA to PL-259 though. Don't buy anything like this unless your setting up a base station that will not be moved. Definitely not for HT's.I went with standard not BNC so I could use the standard UV5R antenna's. I did customize the jumper a little bit and had to add a spacer/gromet where it attached to the radio to make it sturdier in case of bumpage.Those are vacuum system 'nipples' that I cut to go over the ends and make it water resistant connections.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R7Q3PTX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1this is what it looks like without customization.

******************************

Yours were the cables I ended up getting. RG58. Much thicker than the pink ones. 20" long. Does that sound about right length wise? I don't know exactly where I want to run the antenna to. But I figured that would give me enough slack without to much.

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I went with BNC after reading "The Guerrillas Guide to the Baofeng Radio". I have it in .pdf if you want it. I highly suggest it. It's written from the perspective of a combat veteran and SHTF user of two ways. It's a must read for preppers using radios. Like completely changed my focus in how to use 2 way radios. Written from the perspective of someone using 2 ways in small groups in a hostile environment. You should read it. Very easy to follow. And very valuable information and strategies for preppers.

[TACAIR]

A bit late but

The UV-5x rigs have a SMA-M connector  so a

SMA-F to BNC-F as shown earlier would be the adapter of choice.  There are pictured early in the thread.  All of my rigs and antennas for portable/RP work are standard as BNC-F interface.
This allows me to use the UG-88A/U 'improved" BNC connector.  NON crimp.   Bit of a PITA to build correctly - but super easy to repair in the field if the cable pulls out, as sometimes happens.  
****
I use a SMA-M to BNC-F adapter for the rest of the 'real ham radio' radios.  I've had no problems to date, but then I do not use a chest carry rig or other body mount.   

Hope this is of some help.

[MacWa77ace]

Bit of a PITA to build correctly - but super easy to repair in the field if the cable pulls out, as sometimes happens. 

When mine broke I tried to do a repair in at my 'tech table' and it didn't work out well as a permanent solution. So bought another that broke right away. And I was just putting it on and off an HT to Mobile PL-259 antenna in my car. they lasted about 3 months each.

What kind of electronic field repair equipment do you EDC?
Mine is duct tape and a multi tool. LOL. Bet you have a battery powered soldering gun. I want one of those. 

[MacWa77ace]

Quote from: MacWa77ace on 9/4/2024, 8:06:53 AMi've used these type as an adapter for a magnetic mobile antenna and they break, went thru a couple before I gave up. SMA to PL-259 though. Don't buy anything like this unless your setting up a base station that will not be moved. Definitely not for HT's.I went with standard not BNC so I could use the standard UV5R antenna's. I did customize the jumper a little bit and had to add a spacer/gromet where it attached to the radio to make it sturdier in case of bumpage.Those are vacuum system 'nipples' that I cut to go over the ends and make it water resistant connections.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R7Q3PTX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1this is what it looks like without customization.

******************************

Yours were the cables I ended up getting. RG58. Much thicker than the pink ones. 20" long. Does that sound about right length wise? I don't know exactly where I want to run the antenna to. But I figured that would give me enough slack without to much.

23.6inch ABBREE AR-152 AR-148 Tactical Antenna SMA-Female Coaxial Extend Cable for Baofeng

[NT2C]

Bet you have a battery powered soldering gun. I want one of those. 

I forget where it was, Ollie's maybe, but I found a stack of Wahl battery-operated portable irons on clearance for like $4.00 ea.  I bought every one of them.  I might still have a couple packed away somewhere.  If I find them I'll mail you one, Mac.  Takes standard AA batteries and works well enough for light-duty work.

I also have a couple that are butane-powered, which I've used in the bucket of a boom truck to resolder the center pin on a PL-259 at the top of the mast on the local Red Cross.  That was a "fun" job. 

[Moab]

Quote from: MacWa77ace on 9/4/2024, 8:06:53 AMi've used these type as an adapter for a magnetic mobile antenna and they break, went thru a couple before I gave up. SMA to PL-259 though. Don't buy anything like this unless your setting up a base station that will not be moved. Definitely not for HT's.I went with standard not BNC so I could use the standard UV5R antenna's. I did customize the jumper a little bit and had to add a spacer/gromet where it attached to the radio to make it sturdier in case of bumpage.Those are vacuum system 'nipples' that I cut to go over the ends and make it water resistant connections.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R7Q3PTX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1this is what it looks like without customization.

******************************

Yours were the cables I ended up getting. RG58. Much thicker than the pink ones. 20" long. Does that sound about right length wise? I don't know exactly where I want to run the antenna to. But I figured that would give me enough slack without to much.

23.6inch ABBREE AR-152 AR-148 Tactical Antenna SMA-Female Coaxial Extend Cable for Baofeng

I meant the length of the extension cable. Which gives me 22 inches of cable to run the antenna wherever I want it on the chestrig.

I'm using Signal Stick antennas. Which have some of the highest reception. But also stubbies to lesson range when you want a more limited transmission distance say between a team. The cable just allows me to put the long whip Signal Stick tucked into the chestrig. Rather than flying all over connected to the radio. They are flexible enough to wrap around themselves. But still combirsome.

When I say chest rig I'm just talking a lightweight minimalist chest rig that can ride under a backpack. 4 rifle mags, 2 pistol mags, ifak, knife, radio etc. Most of the major soft goods companies make chest rigs like this now. They work better for a prepper type situation. Where you can cover them with a jacket. And/or still be able to carry a backpack. Very different from say a combat load out where your being trucked in and out of combat with a maximum ammo load. I'm going to do a review on the ones I'm using here shortly. Essential piece of gear without going overboard. 

[MacWa77ace]

Me to. 23.6 inches.