Common Antenna Connection Types

A BNC connector, short for Bayonet-Neill-Concelman connector, is a type of coaxial connector commonly used in RF applications. BNC connectors are very easy to connect and disconnect by simply twisting the connector about 90 degrees while pressing the connector in. BNC connectors are most common on handheld radios and other small low-power radios such as radios used for Summits on the Air

Confusingly, the male and female versions of this connector have totally different names. PL-259 refers the the male end while the SO-239 refers to the female end. The are also very colloquially just called “UHF connectors”

An N-type connector, also known as an N connector, is a threaded, weatherproof, medium-size RF connector. N-type connectors look very similar to UHF connectors and should not be confused as they are not compatible with each other.

An SMA connector, also known as a SubMiniature version A connector, is a compact, threaded coaxial RF connector designed for high-frequency signal transmission. SMA connectors are commonly found on handheld radios and smaller antenna feedlines.

Adapters are available to convert from just about any connector type to any other connector type. It should be noted that each additional adapter added into the mix will have at least a small effect on the performance, or SWR, of the antenna.