[Elecraft] Importance of good coaxial jumpers

[Edward R Cole]

Soldering PL-259 connectors:

First use a good connector like Amphenol 83-ISP.  Plating on cheap 
connectors the biggest obstacle to getting a good solder 
connection.  I swear every time I have to use a RS PL-259 and vow never again.

Preparation of RG-8 is different from RG-58 which uses a UG-175/U 
insert (UG-176/U for mini-8 coax).

I'm not going to go over stripping jacket and center insulation, 
etc.  ARRL Handbook shows this well enough.

The trick in getting a good solder connection with the shield is 
using large enough solder iron with big tip and heat turned up. Lots 
of heat and high temp makes the solder flow faster and limits heating 
insulation.

Another trick is to use a small round file and run the file across 
the solder holes in the connector which will make a U-shaped groove 
across the hole and thin the metal a bit.  Another trick I use is to 
wipe down any solder connection with alcohol to remove machining oil 
that is present on all new connectors, pc boards, etc.

The with iron hot and tip properly tinned heat the connector for a 
couple seconds and then apply a little solder.  Keep iron applied 
until solder flows (10 seconds or so).  If it takes more time than 
that your solder iron is not hot enough or large enough (at least 50w).

I clamp my coax cables in a small panavise to hold the 
connector.  After soldering one hole the next holes will heat faster 
(connector is HOT).  But be careful not to apply heat too long or the 
insulation will melt in the coax and the connector at which point cut 
off the ruined connector and start over with a new connector.
---------------------------
Actually I hate PL-259's and avoid their use except where 
necessary.  My connectors of choice are either BNC or N.  I prefer 
the type that use a back compression nut and anvil to clamp the 
shield vs crimp style.  Never use a connector that crimps the center 
pin.  I do make up RG-58 and mini-8 crimped N and BNC jumper cables 
if they will not be flexed a lot.  Crimp style connectors for test 
cables are the quick way to the mental asylum!

Recently I have been using LMR-240 instead of RG-58; totally 
different approach to making up connections.


73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
dubususa at gmail.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"