I want to try out an airband bandpass filter, but it seems like all the filters for sale use SMA connectors but the antenna is, of course, N type connector. So, this seems kind of crazy to me. If virtually all antennas use N type connectors, why would the filters use SMA connectors?
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asked Oct 19, 2021 at 18:11
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2\$\begingroup\$ SMA connectors are used with coax all the time. Depends on the type/size of coax, of course. \$\endgroup\$– SteveShCommented Oct 19, 2021 at 18:18
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4\$\begingroup\$ SMA connectors are coax connectors, so I'm not sure what you're talking about here. Are you referring to some specific connector (perhaps the F connector common in the US, or the Belling-Lee connector common in Europe, or the BNC connector common in CCTV systems worldwide) thinking it's just called "coax"? \$\endgroup\$– HearthCommented Oct 19, 2021 at 18:22
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\$\begingroup\$ @Hearth Ok maybe I misunderstand what coax means. My antenna has an N connector which I don't think is the same thing as SMA. \$\endgroup\$– Tyler DurdenCommented Oct 19, 2021 at 18:44
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3\$\begingroup\$ A coax connector is any connector that has an inner contact that is completely (or mostly, in some cases) surrounded by an outer shield contact. Common coaxial connectors are SMA, BNC, TNC, N, F, Belling-Lee, SMA, SMB, SSMA, MMCX, U.FL, 9/16 DIN, UHF, 2.92mm, 7mm/AMC7, SHV, MHV, and literally hundreds more. All are intended to be used with coaxial cable, and all have specific characteristic impedances (except for really bad ones like the UHF connector which was made in like the 30s or something) so they don't interfere with high-frequency signals. \$\endgroup\$– HearthCommented Oct 19, 2021 at 18:48
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1\$\begingroup\$ @Bimpelrekkie The ones for very high frequencies are properly called "2.92mm connectors" or "3.5mm connectors"; they're all intermateable with SMA, but are not strictly speaking SMA connectors. \$\endgroup\$– HearthCommented Oct 19, 2021 at 18:52
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1 Answer
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My antenna has an N connector
If so, that antenna is probably the wrong frequency for your application. Regardless, to adapt between SMA and N, you need an adapter. For example: this one.
WOAH!
... you say when you see the price: $138.80
Well, then, just buy the correct antenna, one with an SMA connector already in place.
answered Oct 19, 2021 at 19:48
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1\$\begingroup\$ If the OP does not need the full 18 GHz bandwidth, a lower priced adapter can readily be found. OP is using airband which is VHF. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Oct 19, 2021 at 20:05
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4\$\begingroup\$ Let's not scare them; you can get SMA to N adapters for like $15. Rated up to 11 GHz, too; way more than enough for most applications. \$\endgroup\$– HearthCommented Oct 19, 2021 at 21:03