Hobbies And Interests
BNC
The BNC-style RF connector has a cylindrical metal body with a pin that comes out of the central axis. To attach BNC connectors, you place the male connector over the female, press in and twist a quarter turn clockwise; the two connectors mate and lock in place. The BNC is suited to coaxial cables, which have a central conductor and a braided shield separated by a layer of plastic insulation. Scientific and technical equipment, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, microwave and radar devices use BNC connectors.
Twin Lead
A twin lead RF connector consists of a pair of screw terminals spaced about 7.5mm apart. The screws may have standard washers or washers with a serrated edge designed to pierce through the cable̵7;s plastic coating to the wire inside. The connector works with twin lead antenna cabling, which is a flat, plastic-covered cable with two parallel copper wires. Roof-mounted home antennas for radio and television typically use twin lead cabling, as it works well for TV frequencies, has a low cost and stands up to weather.
Motorola
The Motorola RF connector is an industry-standard fitting used for automotive radios. The male connector terminates the end of a cable coming from a car̵7;s antenna; the male fits into a receptacle in the radio. The circumference of the male connector has a metal spring action that holds the cable firmly in place despite the bumps and vibrations of driving.
F Connectors
Cable television equipment, VCRs, DVD players and televisions use F connectors. These types of RF connectors, as with the BNC, work with coaxial cabling. The F connector is a threaded, cylindrical metal sheath that fits into the cable̵7;s braided shield. The cable̵7;s inner copper wire serves as the signal conductor and mates with the female connector. The male sheath screws onto the female̵7;s outer threaded surface, forming a secure connection. A technician can make custom TV cables in the field from a spool of cable, a set of male F connectors and a special hand tool.