Frequently Asked Questions from Kings Electronics

Kings Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why won't my Kings 2025-X-9 die set work with the 2065-X-9 connectors?

Can I still order the older 2025-X-9 BNC connectors?

Why can't I fit my connectors on Quad Shielded Coaxial Cable?

Why is there a gap between the jacket of my plenum cable and the crimped sleeve of my connector?

Why do some manufacturers RG "Type" cables not fit the connectors specified?

What is the plastic tip on the male Tri-Loc® connector used for and why isn't it on all Tri-Loc® products?

Why are 75 Ohm and 50 Ohm BNC connectors intermatable while 75 Ohm and 50 Ohm N connectors are not, causing destructive damage to the 75 Ohm N connector?

Why can't I find a Kings part number on your website?

Do I have to use Kings crimp tools to crimp Kings connectors?

What is the Kings TR-5® Finish?

TR-5 (tarnish resistant) plating is an electro-deposited alloy, used as a finish layer on a non-ferrous base metal part, following several intermediate platings. It is a brilliant white alloy presenting a hard, smooth, voidless surface. Similar to stainless steel or chrome, TR-5®forms a passive film and thus does not adversely affect materials in contact with it. In addition, it has superior resistance to tarnish and corrosion. TR-5® has superior qualities over most other finishes and has achieved wide acceptance.

Why won't my Kings 2025-X-9 die set work with the 2065-X-9 connectors?

With the redesign of the True 75 Ohm BNC connectors, the center contact diameter got smaller to maintain a constant 75 Ohm impedance through the connector. Consequently, the center contact crimp dimension got smaller also.

The problem with the inability of the die set to crimp this new connector is probably because it is the older, larger die dimension. The Kings website has a Cross-Reference Search that lists the applicable die set for most Kings connector part numbers.

Can I still order the older 2025-X-9 BNC connectors?

The 2025-X-9 connectors have been superceded by the 2065-X-9 True 75 Ohm BNC connectors in expectation of the High Definition transition over the next few years. However, some 2025-X-9 connectors are still available. Contact your local distributor or Kings Customer Service for availability.

Why can't I fit my connectors on Quad Shielded Coaxial Cable?

There are several reasons, all dealing with the extra shielding on these cables. One reason is that the double braid makes the OD of the cable braid larger than the ID of the crimp sleeve. A second reason is, if the crimp sleeve will fit over the braid on the connector, the amount of pressure required to crimp, or specifically, to force the crimp tool to its fully closed position, allowing it to open, is excessive. Lastly, the cable OD over the jacket could be larger than the ID of the crimp sleeve.

Why is there a gap between the jacket of my plenum cable and the crimped sleeve of my connector?

Typically, the plenum cables have a smoke resistant jacket that is Teflon® based and is thinner than non-plenum jackets. As such, the overall OD of the jacket is less than the standard version so that when the connector is crimped to the plenum cable, the crimp sleeve does not close down on the jacket.

However, the retention mechanism of the connector/cable is the crimp capture of the cable braid between the connector and the crimp sleeve. So the plenum cable still has a good electro-mechanical connection, having similar braid connector contact resistance and connector cable retention.

Why do some cable manufacturers RG "Type" cables not fit the connectors specified?

An RG "type" cable means it is modeled to perform similar to, and in most instances the same as, the Mil-Qualified cables. But in some instances, the cable is different enough, typically in the center conductor OD, that the connector will not fit onto the cable.

This larger OD prevents the connector center contact from sliding over the center conductor. In stranded cases, a few strands may be removed from the center conductor so it fits in the center contact, but with a solid center conductor, this is not possible.

What is the plastic tip on the male Tri-Loc® connector used for and why isn't it on all the Tri-Locs®?

The plastic tip is an improvement made to protect the user from possibly poking a hole in a finger but primarily to prevent electric shock by preventing a finger or other potential conductor from bridging the gap between the center conductor and the middle conductor. This was a running change made several years ago and older connectors may not have it. The old and new designs are completely interchangeable (reference Patent 4,045,113 for more information).

Why are 75 Ohm and 50 Ohm BNC connectors intermatable while 75 Ohm and 50 Ohm N series are not, causing destructive damage to the 75 Ohm N connector?

The BNC connector as originally designed had dielectric material (other than air) in its interface area. Based on the impedance equation for coaxial transmission lines, the 50 Ohm BNC was 50 Ohm in its interface area (no surprise there). But several years ago, someone stumbled upon the idea of removing the dielectric material in the interface area (effectively lowering the dielectric constant) which caused the impedance in the interface area to rise up to 75 Ohm without changing the center pin diameter.

However, in a 75 Ohm N series connector, the dielectric material was air already, so the only way to raise the impedance was to change the internal dimensions of the connector. Changing the outer contact would drastically change the whole geometry of the connector so instead the center contact diameter was shrunk to give 75 Ohm in the interface area. This is for both the male and female halves so the female socket will only accommodate a smaller diameter contact. Inserting a 50 Ohm center contact will deflect the socket tines further than designed, typically resulting in the tines breaking off.

Why can't I find a Kings part number on your web site?

Due to the small demand for some older part numbers, it is not cost effective to maintain the part numbers. Sometimes distributors will maintain a stock of parts that are inactive. Kings Customer Service can determine whom the last distributor was to purchase the part in question if it is not too old. In certain cases, Kings may also be able to provide you with small quantity orders of these inactive parts. Please see the Direct CONNECT home page for more details.

Do I have to use Kings crimp tools to crimp Kings connectors?

To assist our customers with using Kings connectors, we developed a line of crimp dies that were designed specifically for our products. The Connector to Crimp Die Cross-Reference search on the website will tell you which Kings crimp die is required for a particular connector part number.

The specific die crimp dimensions and drawings can be displayed by clicking on the Crimp Die part number and compared to whatever crimp tooling the user may have. As long as the non-Kings crimp tooling has the same crimp shape and size, it should provide a satisfactory crimp.