[Elecraft] Inserting TMP cables - was: Problems with K144XV Transverter for K3S - Can't Hear Anything

[Don Wilhelm]

I agree that TMP cables can be difficult to insert, but here is how I 
proceed:
First make sure there are no strands hanging out of the center conductor.
Then look at the very tip of the center conductor.  If it appears that 
the crimping process has produced two "ears" that extend outside the 
diameter of the center pin, you can use long nose pliers to reduce the 
width of those ears just a bit.  In other words, you are 'rounding" the 
tip slightly - do not take this to extremes and crush the tip, a gently 
'rounding' is all that it takes.

Then insert the male TMP into the female - look at the shell - if there 
is a gap between the male and female shells, the center conductor of the 
male tip is not yet started into the center conductor of the female 
jack.  Do not push yet, but twist and 'wiggle' the connector until the 
center conductor is started on its proper path.
Once the shell of the female closes the gap to the male connector shell, 
the center conductor has found its home.  Then is the time to push it 
home - a bit of a twist will help.

If you push hard on the connector before the center conductor has 'found 
its home', you will end up pushing the jack off its mounting lugs.  
Pressure toward the jack will not help until the center pin has begun 
seating.

73,
Don W3FPR