Which of the following is true of PL-259 type coax connectors?

• A. They are unsuitable for HF use
• B. They are commonly used at HF and VHF frequencies
• C. They cannot be connected to a 50-ohm system
• D. They are preferred for UHF only

Answer: (B)

PL-259 type coax connectors are widely recognized for their versatility and reliability in radio communications, especially in the amateur radio community. They are designed to operate effectively at both HF (High Frequency) and VHF (Very High Frequency) ranges. This makes them a popular choice for connecting antennas to transceivers across various amateur radio applications.

The design of the PL-259 allows for a secure and low-loss connection, which is critical for maintaining signal integrity across different frequencies. Their construction supports good performance even in the HF range, which extends from 3 MHz to 30 MHz, making them suitable for various amateur radio operations such as SSB (Single Sideband) and CW (Continuous Wave) communications. Additionally, they also perform well in the VHF range, making them equally useful for repeaters and other VHF communications.

Understanding the use cases and compatibility of PL-259 connectors is essential for effective setup and operation in both HF and VHF amateur radio environments. This option accurately reflects their general usage and compatibility in the field.