Hi Don,
Wow, what an insight that document is.
The comment on SMA connectors is very telling :
"These connectors do not work well in applications that require repeated connections; they wear out quickly. They work best as one-time only connectors, or in applications that require very few reconnections."
The moral: Get yourself a set of SMA M-F Connector Savers.
Also, DO NOT turn the connector, ONLY TURN THE NUT.
The specified torque for brass SMA connectors is 5 in-lb / 56N-cm.
Cheers...Bob VK2ZRE
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On 28/02/2023 12:13 pm, Donald S Brant Jr wrote:
Under-torquing an SMA (or any connector) will extend its life but compromise repeatability. For quick-and-dirty at HF finger-tight is fine, Above UHF one must be more careful and so on up into the microwave bands or for exacting measurements.
One contributor to long life is keeping the connectors clean. Fine-tipped foam swabs, alcohol and canned/compressed air work best.
Here is the Keysight "bible" on microwave connector care:
Best regards, Don
