[Elecraft] rf probe

[michael taylor]

On 6/16/06, Jesse & Nicky <nicky_jesse at verizon.net> wrote:
> I guess I am missing something here.  Why do the banana plugs have to be connected with rg 174 coax ??

The use of coax is AFAIK* to prevent the probe from picking up stray
RF energy from the powered up radio under test. The banana plugs are
used as the standard connectors to a DMM.

> If I have to use coax is there a "trick" to unraveling the braid ??
> I cannot seem to get the tips of the banana plugs to accept solder.

I used my wire cutter to make a parallel cut to the braid (parallel to
the length of the cable) to allow the braid to pulled to one side of
the insulation and then twist the braid into a "wire."

This might not be the best solution, but I filled the small hole in
the banana plug with solder, heated the solder, and let the braid (and
repeat for the wire inside the coax insulation) rest in the pool of
solder until it cools enough to hold it in place. Remember to put the
plastic covers inline before soldering.

> As always, any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I hope that make sense, and is useful to you.

*) AFAIK = As Far As I Know

-Michael Taylor, VE3TIX