Re: MCX connector repair (in UK) (only vaguely on topic I admit)

GSV Three Minds in a Can wrote:

Thanks for that Doug - sounds like a good idea. I wonder if we could get Gilsson to adopt it as an official option? I'd sure pay more for an antenna built like that, and it would also make it easier to get the antenna on/off the GPS, those right angle MCX connectors can be a real pain to pull out safely, compared to the 'inline' variety.

The straight ones usually seem to stick out in way that makes them more vulnerable or to interfere with laying the GPSr down or propping it up on the dash. Given the choice, I'll usually take my chances on the right angle one first.

I worked with those a lot on wireless equipment, one secret is to put your finger tips against the housing and pinch the square part of the connector as hard as you can while bending you fingers so that the tips push against the housing and lift straight out. The other more desperate method is to put small flat bladed screwdriver under the crimped on sleeve and up against the housing and pry it up while pushing on the tail of the sleeve to keep it at a right angle to the other connector.

I usually filled those with dilectic compound before installing them and that also makes them a little easier to get apart.

I bought a generic amplified antenna on eBay for 99 cents and $10 shipping from Hong Kong. That came with a SMA connector on it. I also have a variety of adapters and have used it on SMA, SMB, and BNC connectors on a number of different GPS receivers.

The generic one works just as well as my Gillson antenna. And may have even been made in the same place although they are not identical.

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)
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