[Elecraft] BNC Connectors

[Paul Christensen]

> So I guess for the next real question where would one recommend to get
> PL-259 and BNC connectors for this job.

I'm with Jack on the use of double-crimp connectors for an inside 
installations.  I tend to use soldered connectors outdoors although with the 
right sealant (e.g., Scotchkote) together with heat-shrink tubing, I imagine 
that crimped connectors can also hold up to weather extremes.

RF Industries is my primary supplier of crimped connectors, mostly purchased 
through Tessco. http://www.tessco.com/  If you set up an on-line commercial 
account with them, typical small quantity pricing is very reasonable.

> I've attempted to do this with PL-259 connectors before and was
> unsuccessful (but I tried to use a less than optimal soldering iron and

I rarely recommend alternative installation methods to that provided by a 
manufacturer, but if you attempt to use soldered PL-259s with a "UG" 
reducer, this method sets the standard in my opinion:

http://www.w5fc.org/files/how-to/PL259.PDF

It's not a novel idea, but there are several benefits to the use of this 
method.  The primary benefit is that the quality of the braided portion of 
the installation can be inspected prior to insertion into the PL-259 body. 
The method recommended by Amphenol over the past several decades leaves the 
user with no true way of knowing about the quality of the job.  You "hope" 
that the job was completed correctly and that no further damage occurs after 
filling in the four circular PL-259 openings with solder.  A multimeter can 
be used to detect for obvious shorts, but "ragged-edge" problems can go 
undetected.

When using silver-plated UG reducers and a vise, it's possible to complete a 
PL-259 connector in under two minutes.  I use a Weller soldering station set 
to 750-degrees F and with silver-plated PL-259 bodies and UG reducers, 
there's ample heat for the job and there's no fight to work the flow of 
solder.  At the conclusion, you'll have confidence that the job was 
completed accurately.

When I first tried this method, I honestly could not stop making jumper 
cables.  What I had painfully tried to do for the past 35 years instantly 
became a pleasant experience.  In a half hour, must have made close to a 
dozen cables using RG-400.  The installation goes very fast when placing the 
coax vertically in a vise.  The reducer goes on next and you have a perfect 
platform to complete the soldering of the braid on to the edge of the 
reducer.

Paul, W9AC