BNC Binding Post Adapters a Word of Caution

BNC Binding Post Adapters a Word of Caution
In this video, we take a look at BNC Binding Post or Banana Plug adapters and something you should be aware of when using them.
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[@K5YVY]

That’s some good talk Ape. It’s always a good idea to test your stuff first instead of relying on the factory to get it right every time👍

[@TheSmokinApe]

Trust no one ☝️

[@bobblum5973]

Good tip for those who haven't learned about these yet, and a warning for how to use them correctly! The ones I have of these are roughly 40 years old, I think all are Pomona brand. The knurled "knobs" do not come off; there's a little swaging done to prevent that. I also have one or two that are BNC jack to dual banana plugs; they also have the small "GND" bump to indicate which banana plug is tied to the BNC shell.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I've seen a few of the male plugs, they were being used on lab equipment. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@bobblum5973]

@@TheSmokinApe You're welcome, thanks for _making_ the video!

[@markw.schumann297]

Spoiler: if you switch the black and red caps, then the black and red caps will be switched.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

Addendum: you can use a multimeter to check continuity.

[@wildweasel6898]

Yeah I would do that. If you were wondering if someone really needed that reminder the answer is yes. It's like your staring into my soul. 😂

[@Siskiyous6]

Thank you Mr Ape - I use them for Marine VHF, 2M, 440, and GMRS frequency Verticle dipoles. With stiff solid wire even small half square and Bruce array configurations are simple to construct.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, so many ways to use these things. Thanks for watching LC 👍

[@jackK5FIT]

I use them in almost all my portable HF antennas. I find the best results for me are in an L configuration with the red side wire up a fiberglass pole (40M or 20M versions) with the coax feed point down the pole but off the ground and the black side wire horizontal with the ground at the same height as the feed point. Done voice and FT8 on the 20M version at 20 watts with my G90 and works great. Jack K5FIT

[@TheSmokinApe]

Nice idea and thumbs up on the g90, thanks for watching Jack!

[@nathan-co6ho]

I pretty much have the exact same thoughts. 1000+ QSLs on Inverted L wire antenna using the cobra head…easy FEA!

[@VE3FAL1Fred]

One thing I have learned for sure is you get what you pay for when it comes to connectors. I have quite a few of these binding posts, and so far zero issues. I have however had failures in the field with SO-239/PL-259 adapters in the field.Great video and hope we can chat on the air soon again from outdoors in the field...cheers and Happy New Year Fred VE3FAL

[@TheSmokinApe]

I agree Fred, don't scrimp on cables and connectors.

[@daveN2MXX]

I guess some people needed to hear this

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yes, thanks for watching David.

[@wild-radio7373]

This is hecka #proTip !♡♡♡ The kind of useful stuff us new hams need to know!👍📻🔥thank you professor Ape!😎

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Aname 👍

[@paulgarcia1566]

Thanks Ape for breaking these down. Some good tips in here. I've used these to ham some homebrew antennas and I want to try a long wire ant. next.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Paul 👍

[@danmarkiewicz524]

Thank you for a nicely done and thorough explaination!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Dan 👍

[@enriquekb9lht]

Thanks for the tip 👍 I bought a few of those at the hamfest not knowing that the binding post were switched til I tested them kudos 👏 for you Bro!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching 👍

[@kulanchandrasekaran4462]

So basic, but so ESSENTIAL. Thank you. Human or machine made, there are chances for error, and ham radios costing a fortune these days, best to test than be sorry, and not even know what went wrong, even after spoiling the equipment ! Nice, short and to the point.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching!

[@derekthwaytes4689]

You brought up a good point I may not have checked for polarity thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Derrek 👍

[@DonzLockz]

Good practical info to be aware of Mr Ape. It reminds me that I need to buy some.👍

[@TheSmokinApe]

This things are handy, thanks for checking out the video Don 👍

[@HamRadioDX]

Great job Ape, great tips 👍

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Hayden 👍

[@Forevertrue]

Thanks Man!! Good stuff. I am bad about assumptions, and you straightened out a few questions I had. Thanks Again.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking it out IS 👍

[@oldskool9783]

I use those to power bias t's. I always use galavanic isolation to protect my front end, but its good to know all of this, thanks for the heads up!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking out the video OS978

[@530eman]

More great information, thank you so much 💪🏻👊🏻💥

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching Eman 👍

[@K9KMVTheUnluckyHam]

Good advice there Mr Ape. Thanks for the video.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Unlucky 👍

[@n6oft]

Never thought of testing for correct polarity on these. Will do from now on. Tnx & 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking out the video Mike!

[@Kd4stt.]

Thank you for your video.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@phildurall7466]

Nicely done Sir Ape! I have on occasion, used banana plugs in the holes in the black part as well. 73, KF6IF

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking out the video Phil 👍

[@batica81]

Very useful hint! I almost found about this the hard way. I think I will add some red duct tape to bottom part of "positive" end, just in case.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Tape is a good idea

[@rexyhassell1400]

This is very helpful!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it Rexy 👍

[@MichaelKooiman]

Very helpful!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Michael, glad you liked it 👍

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Good heads up for people, I once received some that were backwards. Thanks Ape!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Can never be too careful, thanks for watching Chuck 👍

[@DK5ONV]

Happy New Year, SmokinApe! Stay healthy and keep up the Good Work. 73 de Your Friend Uncle Guenter

[@TheSmokinApe]

Same to you Guenter!

[@brandonzawaski]

Testing for shorts prevents all kinds of problems. Great observations with the multimeter.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yes, exactly. Thanks for watching 👍

[@barrykery1175]

Kinder Garden class on these connectors. That's not to say that it was not needed. But please don't ever say plus and minus when referring to an RF connection since there really is no positive and negative connection when it comes to RF that is really AC. The new hams don't get this yet so don't plant the seed. Yes, it was a good video and needed to be posted. Barry

[@TheSmokinApe]

Fair point

[@t1d100]

Great tip/heads-up.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching!

[@OttoDestruct]

"I was today years old" when I learned this. Thanks!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Otto 👍

[@tangobayus]

I used these to make dipole antennas. I used banana plugs to insert the wires. They work very well.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Using banana plugs is a good idea 👍

[@tangobayus]

@@TheSmokinApe I found some nice ones with set screws on Amazon. Some people drill out the holes to take larger wires. I'm using #14 stranded wire.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@tangobayus sounds awesome, I should look into them 👍

[@paulhastings3109]

Thanks Ape. Been wanting to get some to play around loops. Do you have link KQ4CD Paul

[@TheSmokinApe]

There's on in the description.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Great tip man, thanks.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking it out No Code, BTW your package should be there Monday

[@TheNoCodeTech]

@@TheSmokinApe Hey thanks a million man. Seriously, Thank You!

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@TheNoCodeTech No worries 👍

[@BLACKHEAT1028]

Learned something today!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome, thanks for watching!

[@mikemiles3068]

Good video Ape👍

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Mike 👍

[@xe1fbg]

Muchas gracias, efectivamente un conector estaba invertido el color. 73.

[@madmax2069]

I can't count how many times I've used a continuity tester, before I bought a cheap multimeter that had one on it I just used some wire, a AA battery and a light. I've got quite a few barrel jacks where the wires have no markings to be able to tell if that wire goes to the inner or outer. Got quite a few adapters where they was shorted, some that are wired backwards vs the rest. Yeah I always like to test before I hook things up.

[@darylnd]

Thanks, Ape! I have a couple of these. I've never used them, since I've yet to build the antenna I had in mind. But it never even occurred to me to verify polarity.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Daryl, thanks for watching the video!

[@Spookieham]

These were not designed for RF use or amateur radio use - they are purely an easy way to run test leads to a Bnc input or output such as a scope or signal generator

[@GordonHudson]

There used to be 50 and 75 ohm BNC plugs. The 75 ohm has a larger conical centre pin. This would fit a 50 ohm socket but break the centre connector on the socket (eventually). I haven't looked at any of these to see what the centre pins look like.

[@TheSmokinApe]

These are 50ohm

[@ReedAB8AS]

Thanks Ape

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking it out Reed 👍

[@geekwithasideofnerd6592]

We use these in our student's field expedient antenna kits. We call them H connectors for some reason that predates me. When building a NVIS or an inverted sloping V these things work great. The students biggest problem is using the correct BNC connection or excessive feed line. They always want to use an adapter instead of grabbing the right one and the longest cable in their bag. Operators have a hard time understanding power loss.

[@TheSmokinApe]

H Connector is as good a name as any. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@cesargalvan3750]

Good video if you intended to use as a voltage power supply, but my concern is about RF, the Transceiver generates ac current, mut not be a problem using a dipole. Correct me if I'm wrong, 73s

[@Tump2010]

nice video

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Thump 👍

[@KM4ACK]

Always test first 😃 thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Right. Thanks for watching Jason 👍

[@fullwaverecked]

I scored some vintage General Radio ones that are solid black, but do have the ridge for negative. Haven't used them yet, but they sure do look cool... :)

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching FWR

[@fullwaverecked]

@@TheSmokinApe Hey, it's my pleasure. Since we're buds now, just call me FW. And if you don't mind, I'll refer to you as Ape. Never got to call anyone Ape without getting slugged... So this is pretty awesome, but let me know. I'll call you anything except 3 in the morning. Cheers!

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@fullwaverecked lol! Ape is good with me FW 👍

[@fullwaverecked]

@@TheSmokinApe Well, there ain't too many people on the planet these days that can take a joke without peein their panties, so good on ya! BTY, speaking of jokes, what do you call a deer with no eyes? ...

[@fullwaverecked]

@@TheSmokinApe No Ideaer... What kind of silly question is that?

[@robertmeyer4744]

I got lots of them. they do come with some test equipment . I have put Balum right on them for antenna . 73's

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sounds right to me, thanks for checking out the video 👍

[@johnbullpit9481]

You didn't mention about wrapping the wire around the posts. Also the holes in the side. I've used all the methods on my scope. But it was really ugly. And if you accidentally tug on a leed there is a lot of leverage.

[@DominicMazoch]

I can see somebody using these to build a portable dipole for say QRP POTA, IOTA, SOTA, FD, MSWE..... Or a connection to ladder wire.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, these are very versatile 👍

[@ubergeek318]

so what you are saying is the BNC binding posts could land you in a bind ?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Exactly

[@antilogism]

Who makes those? This is the first time I've ever seen a binding post nut that's removable. Just to be sure I checked my power supplies, amp, bench meter and BNC to post adapters and all are non removable including the really old HP adapter I use with the wide-band voltmeter. I went to my box-o-posts and they were all non-removable too. I have Pomona, Mueller and who knows what random brands in that box dating into the 1950s---at least.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I think these are generically made, I have a link in the description.

[@ronaldschild157]

You are able to use these adapters to directly mate a BNC line (unbalanced) to a dipole antenna (balanced) without a balun in between? A balun (balance-unbalance) is usually required in mating balanced and unbalanced RF lines, but I could see the adapter working for this application, albeit not as efficiently as with a balun.

[@TheSmokinApe]

You can but I wouldn't. I am firmly in the "must use balun" camp for the holy war.

[@jeanphi0078]

always test besfore to use, you have right

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Jean 👍

[@handyparts]

Hi what kind of power can they handle?

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@handyparts should handle 100w ssb no problem

[@99Victor]

What are the two holes on the black frame are for?

[@TheSmokinApe]

No idea, I use them to attach it to stuff 👍

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

I decided to watch this just for curiosity,,, I had just bought a nice selection of these. Male/Female with Binding Posts and Banana Jacks,,, 2 of each. All four of mine were backwards ? That's how they came? I switched em because I agreed with what you said. I hadn't really looked at em yet,,, thanks!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, crazy that they can come like that...

[@FrankTheTank]

#TeamReplay FTW

[@DominicMazoch]

The Marsian would become really angry indeed if the connection was wired wrong!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Frank \o/

[@BruceNitroxpro]

Have you ever run across a reversed adapter which was sold to you, or only one which was changed to reversed polarity?

[@TheSmokinApe]

No, I believe I have 8 which would be the grand total that I have purchased.

[@Mino_512]

Seems like a good place for the 'Escape from LA' nail polish trick.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Lol

[@DominicMazoch]

There is also a cig lighter to banana plug connector for 12V. Test. Test. Test....

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, also I’ve seen fuses in them that were blown and folks didn’t know why they weren’t working.

[@CharlesHuse]

Another tip would be to put a spot of red paint on the center pin side of the body.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That's a great idea, thanks Charles.

[@chrisb3989]

How did you fit that huge storm in that little teacup. As a reminder it’s also dangerous to eat solder flux……just in case you were not aware.

[@TheSmokinApe]

It took some work but I have practice 👍

[@chrisb3989]

@@TheSmokinApe I like to spread solder flux on toast

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@chrisb3989 who doesn’t

[@yungsmile7546]

Better to test and be safe

[@TheSmokinApe]

For sure, thanks for watching 👍

[@maka5955]

These female bananas are not a problem if even once checked. Instead, those male banana versions get the equipment easily broken. You use a male banana to connect the power supply to the terminals.

[@expert244]

A small mark with a red and black paint marker on the bottom of the terminal might not be a bad idea...

[@TheSmokinApe]

With like a pain pen, good idea 👍

[@elkabong6429]

FYI, the BNC males are plugs, not jacks. The jack is what the plug inserts into or onto. The banana parts are jacks, by the same logic. The female BNC is a jack, as well.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks EK 👍

[@johnwest7993]

While it's possible for someone foolish, and a lot of us are sometimes foolish, to switch the colored screws on the binding posts, the small plastic tab sticking out to the side of the connector body on the ground side says 'GND'. That won't change.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey John, that’s a good point about the tab 👍

[@johnwest7993]

@@TheSmokinApe, I probably used them on and off for 2 years before I actually looked closely and saw the tabs. Some manufacturer may not include them, but so far so good by my observation. Certainly Pomona uses the tabs.

[@grahamauld8894]

But RF is AC, so what's the problem? On 20m the current changes direction 14 million times a second.

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

I've always considered these widgets as for temporary use.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Agreed, I wouldn’t use them for a long term installation 👍

[@mikewillliams7044]

using beep mode for continuity is fraught with peril. Many Fluke multimeters will beep when higher ranges are selected and resistance may be higher than 50 ohms.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Mike

[@mikewillliams7044]

@@TheSmokinApe it isn't common knowledge, so I thought I would pass it on, iron sharpening iron as the Bible says...73, KK5SC

[@fredtownsend7016]

To bad you missed some of the most important features of the 5 way binding post and the features of the BNC to 3/4" banana adapter. It would be nice if you mentioned the BNC is 50 Ohms and should not be used with 75 Ohm BNCs. You missed so much.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Lol

[@kayli3294]

fine. many blabla that could be done in 1min but.....ok 😂

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it 👍

[@scamsuncensored7740]

Can't believe the idiocy of this video.

[@TheSmokinApe]

IKR?