[Elecraft] BNC Connectors

[Brian Alsop]

Bret,
Look at the cost of small quantities of decent BNC connectors.
Then look at the price of prefab cables.  You'll find that buying prefab 
stuff is cheaper. Add in the cost of a crimper tool and prefab's are the 
way to go.

The break even point is probably several hundred.

73 de Brian/K3KO

P.S. I generally hate buying prefab cables because "hams should make 
their own cables" in my opinion.  However hams are alwayS out to save 
money so $$ rule the roost.  What galls me is the $20 to $50 price tag 
on prefab cables for rigs to anything.  Invest in a soldering iron, 
perhaps a $3 set of binocular vision goggles, some solder and do it your 
self.

Brett Howard wrote:
> I've done a good portion of building a K2, and completely built a K1...
> But amazingly enough I've never solder terminated a coax link...  I
> guess I've always preferred the look of professionally terminated
> cabling.  But now I need a few simple short patch cables.  In the shack
> I have a decent amount 60+ foot or so of RG58/U and then around 120 foot
> or so of RG58/AU...  Pretty much seems about to be the same stuff with
> one stranded center and the other solid center conductor.  I feel for HF
> use this coax should be ample for a few 18" patches... Anyone disagree?
> I may end up using these for VHF as well but doubtful I'd do much of
> anything over 150Mhz.  I'm not married to using the cordage that I have
> on hand but it would be nice to be able to use that stuff....  If there
> is something that would fit better feel free to advise.  (I've always
> been a fan of RG-8x for HAM use and I use RG-217 or better at work
> always but like I said I'm not terminating those myself...)
> 
> 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
> it took too long to get things hot and I ended up with a short in the
> end).  I've now bought an adequate dual temp weller gun and should have
> better success.  
> 
> So I guess for the next real question where would one recommend to get
> PL-259 and BNC connectors for this job.  Should I go for solder on or
> crimp on?  I'm more than willing to spend the money for a good crimp
> tool if need be and its a better option.  
> 
> Anyway I'm open to recommendations as to where one should procure the
> connectors as well as any tips, tricks, and opinions on what I should
> use (so long as the opinions come with explanations). ;)
> 
> Thanks kindly gentlemen.
> 
> ~Brett (KC7OTG)
> 
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