Snip
" So, I'll ask: Was the 2 dB connector loss dissipative (caused by an
exceptionally high resistance series conductor and/or exceptionally lossy
dielectric), or was it "mismatch loss" (caused by a dramatic impedance
change within the connector due to a changed relationship between
conductors -- say, missing dielectric or something like a helical
conductor)?

Roy Lewallen, W7EL

A good question Roy, but I cannot answer it, other than to say that the SMA
interfaces were clean and apparently dimensionally in spec.. There was not
the time or money to investigate further, the adaptors just went in the bin!
(they were good quality adaptors by the way, probably MA/com).

73
Jeff