PL-259
UHF Connector (PL-259 / SO-239)
Invented in
1930s
Invented by
E. Clark Quackenbush, Amphenol
Availability
Common (radio)
The big threaded connector on CB radios, ham transceivers and antennas. The plug is the PL-259, the socket the SO-239; together they are simply called "UHF".
Technical specifications
Introduced1930s (Amphenol)
SignalRF
ImpedanceNot constant (nominal 50 Ω)
RangeBest below 300 MHz
Found on
an antenna
Recommended brands
01Amphenol
02Diamond Antenna
03Telegärtner
Where to buy
Europe-focused retailer searches. Some links are affiliate links and may earn a commission.
Common adapters and cables
Fun fact
It was named UHF in the 1930s when 300 MHz counted as ultra-high frequency. Today it is mostly used well below that.
Tips & tricks
Fine for HF and VHF; for GHz work use N-type or SMA instead, the UHF connector leaks signal up there.
Philosophy
Old, imperfect and beloved. Every ham radio shack on earth has a drawer full of these.
Applications
InternetVideo / SAT
