On 7/16/2020 10:46 AM, Mike Harris via Elecraft wrote:
I must say that over many years and without any ill effect I've never
bought into this idea of Gorilering up a PL259 with pliers beyond finger
tight. A quarter of a turn is an unbelievable suggestion. I've just
tried it and a couple of degrees is the best I could do without being
brutal and even then I don't thing it would go any further.
Urban myth maybe?
No, misunderstanding/poor way of describing the problem. For good RF
contact, the entire circumference of male and female connector must make
solid and continuous contact. This can only happen if the teeth in the
male connector fit within the corresponding gaps in the female
connector. If that has been accomplished, wrench-tight may be less than
a quarter turn, but it also depends on how strong your fingers are, and
whether you are able to get a good grip on the connector. For example, I
need more than a quarter turn with pliers in my fairly dense entry panel
in the wall under my operating desk. And if the teeth are not properly
mated, it's common to get more than a quarter turn when using the wrench.
Also, I've never had a failure after simply applying a generous wrap of
self amalgamating tape, nothing else, to waterproof coax connectors. Our
UV environment is pretty powerful, clear skies and sunshine can turn the
skin on my head into huge dandruff seven days later after 30 minutes
exposure.
That depends entirely on the particular tape you've chosen. Some are
more UV resistant than others.
73, Jim K9YC
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