[Elecraft] Importance of good coaxial jumpers

[mcduffie at ag0n.net]

On Mon, 11 Nov 2013 17:31:29 -0800, Nicklas Johnson wrote:

> any tips for getting a nice, solid solder
> connection on the shield in a reasonable amount of time? 

Plenty of mass in your heat source.  One person already suggested a large iron.
I use a 300+ watt gun.  I also make sure that the coax is very relaxed and in a
natural position, so that when it gets hot, there is less tendency for the
conductors to migrate.

I apply enough heat to get the solder to flow freely between the insert and the
connector, flowing into the braid, but I don't hold the heat there long.  I
insist on having good flow on at least three of the four holes.  As soon as it
is soldered, I cool it rapidly with pliers as a heat sink.  The entire time, the
connector is held in a Panavice.  After cooling the outer some, I solder the
center, with the tip pointing down so as to not encourage migration further than
necessary up the center.  I then cool the center with a heat sink as well.  Do
NOT allow a blob of solder to form at the tip and trim any spike left over from
soldering.  A blob of solder will ruin the SO-239 socket, should there be one.

It takes practice.  I ruin about 5% of the connectors I install, but I'm leaning
toward 70 these days.  :o)  If you mess one up, cut if off and do it again.

Gary