Hi Ron, first, my experience in the past was in commercial FM broadcast
engineering (30 years ago). I have no experience in Ham radio. A PL-259
is essentially a "consumer grade" coaxial RF connector. Type N connectors
are more industrial grade. They have greater connectivity by their
inherent design and thus less signal loss.  I presume that is why they
are preferred by professional/industrial applications and hence Ham radio
people. (They are also more difficult to install on a coax than a
PL-259.)

David Sorenson
Duluth, MN

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Ron,

The PL-259 presents an impedance mismatch in the antenna system, hence the
signal loss.  The "N" connector does not.  Additionally the "N" connector is
much more WX resistant and when properly assembled will not allow water
intrusion.  The prudent installer will still provide external layers of
sealing for connectors that are exposed to the elements.

Ed, N7NVP
PT-38  "Makin' Do"
Poulsbo, WA

-----Original Message-----

Hi Ron, first, my experience in the past was in commercial FM broadcast
engineering (30 years ago). I have no experience in Ham radio. A PL-259 is
essentially a "consumer grade" coaxial RF connector. Type N connectors are
more industrial grade. They have greater connectivity by their inherent
design and thus less signal loss.  I presume that is why they are preferred
by professional/industrial applications and hence Ham radio people. (They
are also more difficult to install on a coax than a PL-259.)

David Sorenson
Duluth, MN