[Antennas] Splicing Coax

Thu, 13 Jun 2002 20:41:40 -0400

Splicing coax.... yuck.....

The correct connector for the application (i.e., 'N' for UHF - or just
remember NEVER to use UHF connectors for frequencies above 300mHz) has a
typical insertion loss of only .015db from DC to daylight.  A less then
perfect solder joint, with a less than perfect fit of insulating core,
braid, and cover will make you wish you had never done it.  You're unlikely
to get a weathertight seal on the outer covering.

Connectors are much cheaper if you buy direct from CabelXperts (about 50% of
the cost from HRO, AES, or Universal).  Minimum order is $40 and typically
'ground' UPS arrives in two days,

I've noticed lately that UPS 'ground' arrives in just 1 or 2 days - NOT the
7-10 typically quoted.   Less is being shipped due to a relatively weaker
economy, and UPS (as well as FedEx) want to get rid of the packages as soon
as possible.

73
Frank

 ._._.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jan Reimers" <[email protected]>
To: "Antennas Email Group (E-mail)" <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2002 7:15 PM
Subject: [Antennas] Splicing Coax

> Any body have any tips/tricks for splicing coax (for example RG213 or
RG8/U)
> rather than using connecters/unions?
>
> I was thinking of
> 1) removing half the center conductor strands on each side and soldering
> them together.
> 2) slip on a sliced piece of insulator over the joint.
> 3) somehow fudge the braid back on top.  (how to solder without damagaing
> the insultor material?)
> 4) Perhaps seal with heat shrink tubing.
>
> usage would be VHF and below.
>
> Why do I want to do this?
> 1) I am always running out of PL259's
> 2) A good splice should be less lossy than a 259-barrel-259 junction.
>
> Thanks
> Jan (VA7JNR)
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