[Elecraft] OT: Installing PL-259's
Ian White
gm3sek at ifwtech.co.uk
Tue Nov 12 03:17:48 EST 2013
> Use a taper reamer to enlarge the four solder holes in the body
> of the connector as much as possible. The holes will then be
> the diameter of the U-shaped area in the connector body, making
> soldering iron contact with the previously tinned braid much easier.
>
Even better than the reamer is a 1/8in round file, applied sideways
across the top of the hole to create a thin feather-edge of bare brass
which is much easier to solder. If you then use a hot air gun to
pre-heat the connector body to about 100degC, even a 40W Weller iron
will give a good solder joint.
Best of all is to avoid that design of connector completely, and change
to modern designs that don't require heavy soldering. Even if you're
not prepared to invest in crimp tools, you can still buy the
pressure-sleeve type which has vastly improved cable retention.
73 from Ian GM3SEK
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