BNC Connectors - Quality vs Price

[Bob La Londe]

In my last two video jobs I feel that the quality and fit of the 2-piece BNC
connectors I have been using is causing some problems.

The fit on the cable has been questionable. In some cases the connectors
are almost impossible to fit onto the cable. In others the center conductor
slides in way to easy.

I have applications using RG-59 and RG-6 depending on the distance of the
runs. I seem to be having quality issues with connectors for both sizes of
cable.

In on case I have several cameras that seem to be having signal strength
issues, but when I carefully straighten and wiggle the cables on the back of
the DVR they all start working properly. It is Dedicated Micros DVR so I
doubt there is a problem with the bulkhead connectors in the unit. The
males on the cable actually feel a little loose on the females on the DVR to
me. Maybe its subjective, but...

Anyway. Is there anywhere I can get good high quality close tolerance BNC
connectors at a decent price?

Gilbert Engineering makes great quality mil-spec connectors but the price is
outrageous.

--
The Security Consultant
Bob La Londe - Owner
849 S Ave C
Yuma, Az 85364

(928)782-9765 ofc
(928)782-7873 fax

 

[Croco Stimpy]

We just switched over to the Thomas and Betts "Snap-n-seal" line of
connectors.
I really like them. Weatherproof.

 

[Bob La Londe]

Thanks I just ordered a bunch of Snap N Seal connectors and a couple of
tools for them.

--
The Security Consultant
Bob La Londe - Owner
849 S Ave C
Yuma, Az 85364

(928)782-9765 ofc
(928)782-7873 fax

 

[rory]

never had any issues with RG59 Twist on BNC Connectors, jusr have to
make sure they are put on properly and tight.

 

[Aegis]

never had any issues with RG59 Twist on BNC Connectors, jusr have to
make sure they are put on properly and tight.

Oh man! I have! I've gone back on old work and look behind a MUX to see all
these twist-ons that have been plugged, unplugged, moved, etc. It's the
ugliest thing... little copper hairs everywhere. Now, if I come across
twist-ons, the first thing I do is cut them off and put on the crimp-ons..
Then continue my work.

 

[G. Morgan]

Someone named "Robert L. Bass" <[email protected]> Proclaimed
on Mon, 20 Sep 2004 02:02:28 -0400,

..

Although CCTV isn't my area of expertise

we know...

I've done a fair number of camera
jobs over the years.

uuuhhhh huuuu...

When I first saw twist-on BNC connectors I assumed
they would be inferior to soldered connectors and didn't bother with them.

you were right..

Some years later another tech whose knowledge I respect and I were comparing
notes on a few things.

whom's? Mike?

He mentioned he always used twist-ons and that they
gave him no trouble. I tried a few on the next job and they were fine for
many years. After a while I decided to only use twist-ons. For all intents
and purposes they hold up just as well as soldered plugs.

You just proved once again you have no real experience. <period>

 

[Jim Sutton]

Twist-on connectors as good as crimp-ons?!? Shame on you! Let's see
what Charlie Pierce the guru of video has to say on this topic.


##################################################################
The following pulled from Charlies corner at http://www.ltctrainingcntr.com/



Dear Charlie,

I have a bet with my Service Manager that screw-on BNC connectors are
not the best connectors that we could be using. He says that they are
faster to install and so we should use them to cut costs. I say we
should stick to the crimp on BNC. Who's right? Help! This is worth$10.00
to me.

Just sign me Cash Coming in California.



Dear Cash Coming,

You are right! Although the Screw-on BNC connectors appear to save you
time in the field, they have too many factors against them to make them
a true cost saving factor.

1. Screw-on connectors can and do vibrate loose, causing for sporadic
video signal problems.

2. Screw-on connectors are not considered moisture tight and in
actuality suck up moisture through the threaded base of the connector
causing corrosion of the coaxial cable.

3. Most cases of connector problems that I have seen, that involve the
Screw-on connectors are caused by improper installation of the connector
and/or the use of a cheap connector.

4. These connectors cannot be used in any circumstance where; the cable
may be in motion (pole to pole or pan/tilt installations); outside (to
many humidity problems); or where the connector may be put on and taken
off a piece of equipment often (field patch cords).

In the end, many manufacturers of cameras systems are starting to label
the Screw-on BNC as an illegal connector due to the extensive problems
found in the field. My best advise is that if yours is a long term
company, stick to the three piece crimp on BNC connectors. At the end of
the day, a good technician can install a three piece crimp on BNC
connector in the same amount of or less time than a Screw-on connector.


end of article

#####################################################################

Personally we have been using the two piece connector from ICM Corp
(http://www.icmcorp.net/F-ConnSeries.htm) for a number of years now.

These connectors are built like a battle ship and come in two pieces. A
base that gets crimped on the cable and is sized to match the cable
(rg59 vs rg6). A 2nd piece is threaded onto the crimped base to provid3
either a BNC or RCA connector. They also make F-connectors (F59) for
those of you doing satellite or dtructured cable.

Their website kind of sucks as it doesn't show how the connectors go
together but take my word they work really well. Call them and ask for
some samples.

 

[rory]

I have a soldering kit and a BNC crimp on tool, but I still use Twist
on as they are just as good. Obviously some instances such as vandal
proof installations or outdoors will differ.

No braid should be showing and they should be on tight if done
correctly, therefore they will not come off unless you physically
unscrew them, and that should be difficult also if put on properly.

I have also seen many jobs I have taken over where the previous
installers had no clue of how to properly connect a BNC twist on
connector. I have also seen many jobs taken over where crimp on
connectors had braid showing and the connectors were loose also, and I
switched them out for a properly installed twist on connector in
seconds, going on 3 years and they are all on strong, none are loose,
and all are neat. I had one job recently where the client knocked the
DVR off the shelf to the ground, all twist on connectors either came
loose from the DVR, or hung onto the DVR, but none came loose from the
actual wire and did not require re-connecting.

I only use RG59 wire and RG59 Twist on connectors, with RG6 you can
have issues when using twist ons, not to mention other RG6 issues.

Rory