[Elecraft] OT: Installing PL-259's

[David Cutter]

As a method of achieving a 360 degree soldered braid it does that, but what 
I don't like is that it creates a mechanical weakness at the joint.  In the 
conventional method, the cable exits the connector while still flexible and 
allows flexing, but in this method the cable is stiff and flexing should not 
be allowed.  Additional bracing should be used if any flexing is likely.

Personally, I prefer the 'pressure sleeve' PL259s as is used in the N 
connector in which no soldering of the braid is necessary so,  the 
reliability, even under arduous use should be higher.  SA tape should be 
applied after assembly as usual.

Professional suppliers of RF cable assemblies that I have used (with N type, 
TNC, SMA - not PL259) have never failed in military use.  A moderately 
priced supplier I have used is Gigatronix who use an on-line ordering system 
that makes the specifying and pricing very simple, quick and transparent.  I 
have no pecuniary interest, except the notion of 'buy cheap, buy twice.'

David
G3UNA



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Frank Precissi" <vadept at gmail.com>
To: "Elecraft Group" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 6:23 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Installing PL-259's


> Glad this topic came up, because im about to redo all my pre-made cables
> and its one of those topics that people like me are afraid to ask because
> they are sorta newbie-ish (cue the "You should have learned this before 
> you
> got your ticket" grumps).
>
> What is your opinion of this method:
>
> http://www.k3lr.com/engineering/pl259/
>