Fw: [Antennas] Splicing Coax

[Merv Stump]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Merv Stump" <mstump@hvc.rr.com>
To: "Jan Reimers" <janr@molienergy.com>
Cc: "Antennas Email Group (E-mail)" <antennas@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, June 14, 2002 9:13 AM
Subject: Re: [Antennas] Splicing Coax


> Gotta be a generation thing...
>
> I tuned my first rig for maximum brightness into a 40 watt light bulb and
> then switched to the antenna;  I used a double pole double throw knife
> switch to switch the antenna from transmit to receive; and every week I
> saved 50 cents from my $5 allowance to buy another crystal which cost
$2.95.
> With my credentials established as a charter member of the "old fart's
> club", I have to say I would not have believed that there was a ham
anywhere
> in the world who would not attempt to splice coax.  Have you tried it?  I
> have, it works, and I will do it again. Here's how:
>
> First remove about a one inch piece of the dielectric and put it aside.
As
> carefully as possible role back the shield about 1 inch on each piece of
the
> coax.  Remove the dielectric for 3/4 inch on each piece.  Overlap the
center
> conductors by 1/2 inch and solder using as little solder as possible.
Now,
> take the piece of dielectric you put aside and split down one side; cut
the
> length to exactly fit the gap, and slip the dielectric over your spliced
> center conductors.  Now as carefully as possible role the shields back
down,
> overlapping one with the other.  Do not attempt to solder the shields
> together--just wrap tightly with good electrical tape extending the
wrapping
> about 1 inch over the ends of the cover on each piece.  Finally, cover the
> whole thing with silicone sealant.
>
> I assure you this will have less loss and less impact on swr than 2
pl259's
> and a barrel connector.
>
> Regards, Merv W2OE
>