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
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
--
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade
they know they shall never sit in. -Greek proverb
On 12 Nov 2013, at 08:17, Ian White wrote:
I agree with Ian, I was about to post that I believe the best option (if you
don't use crimped fittings) is a pressure gland type - makes
Frank,
I use an Anritsu SiteMaster at work to detect such things with hardline
and coax. It comes with a 50 ohm load for testing feedline. I don't know
how you'd set up an amateur-style antenna analyzer to do such. When I'm
looking for faults, I specifically set it to Return Loss - DTF
Having been a Motorola field tech. and shop manager for over 35 years. I have
installed
thousands of PL 250's. Motorola back in the mid 1980's start suggesting
installers use
crimp on connectors because of too many redoes on mobile installations. Most
of the
service problems on new
I have used 50 ohm BNC 'terminators' with adapter to verify coax. Start with
terminator on analyzer, should be flat VSWR over wide band. When at other end
of coax should be same.
...bill nr4c
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID
Joel Black w4...@charter.net wrote:
Frank,
I use an
Were these waterproof too Bill?
73 de David, M0XDF (K3 #174, P3 #108)
Whom computers would destroy, they must first drive mad.
On 12 Nov 2013, at 11:04, W0WFH Bill wrote:
Having been a Motorola field tech. and shop manager for over 35 years. I
have installed
thousands of PL 250's. Motorola
Won't that cause a dry joint?
73 de David, M0XDF (K3 #174, P3 #108)
--
We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is
a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person. -William
Somerset Maugham, writer (1874-1965)
On 12 Nov 2013, at 03:31, Ken G Kopp
Hi Mark and all.
Don't being driven nuts, you aren't alone. I have had the same, if not
worse problem here.
The same SO2R setup I have used for JARTS doesn't worked so well
during QTC exchange in TX. The two radio merely hungs when long
messages are TXed, 6/8 times or more over 10 tries.
I
How can I change to a daily digest? Must I re-subscribe?
John
TI4/N0URE
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This
Loaded K2/100, w/RS-232 Aux I/O computer control rig interface.
Serial #3145.
Has the following options:
KDSP2; K160RX w/2nd RX port, KNB2; MH2; KSB2; Nifty Mini-manual;
includes QRP top.
Panadaptor ready w/Z1 IF Buffer, installed by W3FPR; great display
w/P3. Also can interface with
The advantage of k3lr's method is that the quality of the soldering of the
braid is easy to
inspect. I used the tinned braid tubing cutter method many times but still
managed to put
a connector on that I filled the holes with solder and not connecting to the
braid. (It still
worked for a
I use a RigExpert antenna analyser in Time Domain Reflectometer mode. This
will show 'distance to fault' amongst other coax parameters. More reliable
than just doing an SWR sweep. Since the analyser tells you where the faults
lies, you can inspect the cable for trauma at that point or cut out
John,
You can just change your preferences.
Go to the Home link at the bottom of each reflector post and sign in
to make your changes.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 11/12/2013 7:52 AM, john clark wrote:
How can I change to a daily digest? Must I re-subscribe?
John
TI4/N0URE
The MFJ-259 and 269 also can determine distance to fault. Look in the
instructions to see how to get to it.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 11/12/2013 8:15 AM, Dave Aslin, G3WGN wrote:
I use a RigExpert antenna analyser in Time Domain Reflectometer mode. This
will show 'distance to fault' amongst other
As far as water proof... no connector not PL 259 crimp or solder are water
proof without
doing a good tape job or using some of the spray on rubber sealant.
Water proofing connector is an art in it own. 3M make some shrink tape that
works good, but now a lot of people are using this spray
I remember seeing a chart somewhere that listed cable loss vs. SWR into an
open (or was it shorted?) coax. Just open or short one end, measure the
SWR, plug that value and the length into the chart to read the loss.
Admittedly, this would be difficult for a cable already installed, but it
I am really glad to see this appear, too.
I have always wondered what is really going on inside the connector, and
that reaming out of the solder holes will surely help.
What I am REALLY glad about is that the older style of PL-259 with a little
cover and a set-screw are gone. Long gone.
On
I and several others in this area have been using the Flex Seal or something
like that on connectors for 4 or 5 years now. Spray can or paint on both
work
very well. Have had no or heard of any failures or problems using this
stuff.
I now use it on all mechanical points on antennas that have a
That kind of chart is e. g. in the ARRL antenna book (I have two older editions
but am sure it is in both of them). Since the measurement assumes that the
fraction of the power that is put into the line and not being converted into
heat in the coax is completely reflected at the far end, it
Test
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Please help support this email
Guys - Jumpers from reputable vendors -such as Pasternack- will probably be
better that you can make unless you have made thousands of connections! I
have never had a Pasternack cable set fail - period! All cable assemblies
from them were/are crimped.
In TV broadcasting of old - video connectors
I also use a 40W Weller with good results.
The 25W do not work well and tend to melt the center
conductor.
73
K1NR
On Mon, 11 Nov 2013 20:59:14 -0800
Carl Clawson clawso...@gmail.com wrote:
I guess I'm contrary, but I find that a 40 watt Weller
iron with a 1/4 inch
tip does just fine.
We should make a distinction between temperature controlled and
non-temperature controlled irons/guns. I have used a Weller TCP 40 watt
pencil iron with a wide 700 degree tip to solder ¼ brass bolts ! The big
Weller D550 guns (250/325 watt) are not temperature controlled but can make
heat a
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
No thanks, I'll leave that one to you mast climbers :-)
73 de David, M0XDF (K3 #174, P3 #108)
--
Always remember, half the people in the world are above average intelligence!
On 12 Nov 2013, at 13:42, W0WFH Bill wrote:
try waterproofing a N connector on the end of 7/8 helix at 300 ft plus
On Mon, 11 Nov 2013 22:23:37 -0800, Frank Precissi wrote:
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
Another tip regarding soldering connectors or anything else for that matter.
Use 63/37 mix solder AKA Eutectic. It has a one degree plastic point and
helps prevent cold solder joints. Said before you must use enough heat on
any joint but this solder mix will help. Another Motorola initiative I
On Tue, 12 Nov 2013 09:49:35 -0500, Eugene Balinski wrote:
The 25W do not work well and tend to melt the center
conductor.
Melt the center conductor? If you mean melt the dielectric around the
center pin in the coax, you are using the wrong connector. It should
not melt or sag when hot!
On Tue, 12 Nov 2013 10:21:02 -0500, Charlie T, K3ICH wrote:
The big
Weller D550 guns (250/325 watt) are not temperature controlled but can make
heat a lot quicker.
That's my weapon of choice too.
Gary
--
http://ag0n.net
3055: http://ag0n.net/irlp/3055
NodeOp Help Page:
My K3 Lcd tx continues to blink as if in the test state ;and am unable to
transmit. This has been happening for a while and usually stops after 15
minutes or so. Today it has not .Radio has been on for several hrs. I have the
latest firmware installed. K3 #427,with atu and kpa 100 installed.
Several posters have mentioned proper connectors and tools for crimping
PL-259s but I am lacking specifics. Do you have recommendations for
brands/models of connectors and tools? If it's affordable, I'd consider
trying it.
Unlike 90% of hams, I don't worship solder. I'm prepared to believe that
I have one of the MFJ Antenna Analyzers which can be used to test
existing coax lines. SWR can certainly be tested, but its not
intuitive how to measure line loss on cables connected to antennas.
The standard method is with open coax runs (no load of any kind which
ensures total reflection
For whatever it might be worth, I have been using nothing but crimped
connectors for at least the past 5 years. In addition, once out of the rig, I
use nothing but 7/16 DIN connectors. They are very expensive, some in excess
of $100 each, but they have very low loss, and they are sealed well
With Banaba in the log on 5 bands now, need ONE more for the Honor Roll.
Anyone here know of any upcoming DXpediitions to Baker Howland, Bouvet,
Eritrea, Mellish Reef, Pratas Isl, San Felix, S Georgia, or
S.Sandwich...anxious waiting for one of them, or more
73, NF8J
--
Paul VanOveren
5911
The trick is to remove the outer insulation carefully without damaging the braid and then
tin it BEFORE trying to cut it. A large soldering iron (not a gun) makes it easy to tin
without disturbing the braid or melting the insulation. Then cut the tinned braid with a
tubing cutter.
On
If you think water proofing a PL 259 is hard at average ham heights
of 30 to 80 feet try waterproofing a N connector on the end of 7/8
helix at 300 ft plus feet in the air.
Good Luck all
Bill,W0WFH?
--
Bill,
Yep! Been there. When possible, I pre-installed my top-end
The first half of this week is the best week of the month for 6m EME - it certainly
is a shame that the Banaba team was not at all interested in trying anything on 6m
:-( It will be a very difficult DXCC to activate by a single person, but it looks
like that is the way it will have to be put
Try heat shrink on 7/8s at 300 foot... in the wind... (when doesn't it blow at
350 - 300 and above??)with a propane torch and no.. you can't carry a
cardboard box up with you either. The challenges of working at a higher
level.
Have a great day,
--... ...--
Dale - WC7S in Wy
And the next trick is to use a hefty iron, large enough to heat the entire
PL259 (w-o the shell) hot enoughto accept solder, and make it flooow.. through
one or maybe two holes at a time.. and quickly enough to not melt the center
insulator. Rotate the PL259 and do it again.. big enough iron,
Hi,
The terminated loss in a coax is half of the return loss looking into the
unterminated cable. RL is easily calculated using the formula:
RL = 20 * log (VSWR+1)/(VSWR-1) (dB)
The reason for the factor of two is that the wave has traveled the cable
twice before being measured as return loss.
I suspect that the 'crimped vs. soldered' thread will be shut down shortly, but
here are my professional observations:
SDI-HD video is one of the most critical applications of coax cable in my job.
We would *never* trust this signal to a soldered connector; they're all
crimped. Yes, this is a
Sounds like if you have TX-INH activated (maybe accidentally).
73, Olli
Am 11.11.2013 um 19:57 schrieb mark crossland landscape8...@yahoo.com:
My K3 Lcd tx continues to blink as if in the test state ;and am unable to
transmit. This has been happening for a while and usually stops after
An example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmeC7PrulU8
On Nov 12, 2013, at 9:18 AM, Hall, Nathon h...@cotr.bc.ca wrote:
I suspect that the 'crimped vs. soldered' thread will be shut down shortly,
but here are my professional observations:
SDI-HD video is one of the most critical
For the last 50+ years I have heard continuously of the challenges
encountered with the making off of PL259 connectors. Why on earth do we
persist in using these poor connectors as there are good alternatives
available for most types of coaxial cable.
73
Peter
G3SMT
Folks, sorry if this has been discussed on the reflector before, but I've
looked through the archives and drew a blank. I know I saw it but try as I may,
can't find any related posts.
I just this week added a KPA500 and KAT500 to my K3 station. Documentation sez
that the KAT500 tunes best
One of the main reasons I like PL259s is precisely because they ARE so
easy to install on a cable. I use a procedure similar to Don's: tin
the braid, cut off a bit of braid and center insulator from the end,
insert/screw into connector, solder the braid through the holes, solder
the center
Sounds like the amplifier key interrupt may not be working. Do you by chance
have both the RCA cable and 15 pin ACC cable connected? The wiring diagrams in
the KAT500 are important. The amp doesn't switch to standby, instead its key
line is broken by the KAT500 so the amp doesn't amplify
A good way to get a nasty cut is to use a dull knife. It increases the chances
of a slip. A sharp edge bites and holds, and requires a lot less force.
73, Mike NF4L
On Nov 12, 2013, at 1:26 PM, Phil Hystad phys...@mac.com wrote:
An example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmeC7PrulU8
On
Bill, W0WFH,
For more than 20+ years I have been using various sizes of the heavy
duty shrink tubing with the sticky stuff sealant inside.
I've used it on the back shell to coax joints on up to 1 5/8 Heliax,
as well as smaller diameter coaxes. I use another piece to cover the
type N joint
On Tue, 12 Nov 2013 09:00:41 -0800, Vic K2VCO wrote:
The trick is to remove the outer insulation carefully without damaging the
braid and then
tin it BEFORE trying to cut it. A large soldering iron (not a gun) makes it
easy to tin
without disturbing the braid or melting the insulation.
The secret to preserving the center conductor dielectric is to use a
soldering tool that is capable of applying heat more quickly and melt
the solder. Using an iron with insufficient heat mass and power
requires you to apply heat for a long period of time, and that is what
melts the
Jim:
Did you press the Tune button on the KAT500 before
pressing the TUNE button on the K3?
73, Ken K3IU
~~~
On 11/12/2013 2:40 PM, Jim Bennett wrote:
Folks, sorry if this has been discussed on the reflector before, but I've
looked through the archives
Is it possible that your antenna is tuned already? If it weren't, and
the SWR were too high, you would not get 500 watts out of the amp. You
would get a FAULT message and the whole thing would shut down.
Buck
k4ia
On 11/12/2013 2:40 PM, Jim Bennett wrote:
Folks, sorry if this has been
Not if it's removed carefully and tinned. I've done it hundreds of times.
On 11/12/2013 12:27 PM, AG0N-3055 wrote:
On Tue, 12 Nov 2013 09:00:41 -0800, Vic K2VCO wrote:
The trick is to remove the outer insulation carefully without damaging the
braid and then
tin it BEFORE trying to cut it. A
On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 12:45 PM, Vic K2VCO k2vco@gmail.com wrote:
Not if it's removed carefully and tinned. I've done it hundreds of times.
Care helps. But for me usually isn't good enough. After tinning, I use a
small flat file to smooth the tinned braid. Then I apply a thin layer of
flux
I would think that removing carefully could be helped by first removing
about a half inch of the outer jacket and tinning that - then remove the
remainder of the jacket. That way the braid will not expand when it is
uncovered.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 11/12/2013 3:45 PM, Vic K2VCO wrote:
Not if
If you want to put shrink on a connector at the top of a tower, just use 3M
cold shrink tubing. Seals the connector but no heat required…
Ken K6MR
From: Chuck Smallhouse
Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 12:17 PM
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Bill, W0WFH,
For more than 20+
Jim. Be sure to set up the KAT500 Configuration:
Amplifier Key Interrupt Power = Optimize for KPA500 (not the default 30 w)
Amplifier Key Interrupt VSWR Threshold = ~2.5:1 (not the default 99:1)
I set the Autotune VSWR Threshold to 1.8:1 (or maybe that is the default)
In the K3 set PWR SET to Per
No, don't have the RCA cable - only the K3--KAT500--KPA500 cables. What I do
have is an inability to read and pay attention to what I'm reading!!!
Good grief - I had been using a third party tuner until I put the KAT500
together and the process is a tad different. Now I see what was happening.
A very sharp knife, steady hands, and the method of cut, remedies that
problem.FIrst, cut around the coax and the measured length from the end...
being exactly how much TOTALvinyl needed off (full length of PL259 with tip
included). Then, measure from the cut, using the PL-259 to just past the
Thanks Fred!
Unfortunately, the KAT500 utility does not see my KAT500. Been doing exhaustive
testing with Elecraft support and they've concluded that I have a bad circuit
on the KAT500 board. I've tried two different cables (known to work with the 2
meter module), two different operating
I use teflon insulated PL-259’s. I use a small propane torch to solder the
holes. I get the connector hot enough for the solder to flow into holes
resulting in a very smooth surface. This approuch has never failed. But, the
teflon is critical.
Doug — K0DXV
On Nov 12, 2013, at 9:12 AM,
On 11/12/2013 8:42 AM, kd7gc wrote:
They are very expensive, some in excess of $100 each, but they have very low
loss, and they are sealed well against WX. When I order baluns or switches, I
always specify that they must be made with 7/16 DINs, and I have never been
disappointed with their
It makes an extremely rugged and reliable connection. You could literally
support your entire body weight from the cable without pulling it out of
the connector.
Alan N1AL
I agree, try THAT with an N connector.
I have never concerned my self with the fact that the center insulation
Or you can buy the stripper from DX engineering and two twists gives a
perfectly stripped cable (no affiliation here)
Original message
From: Dale Putnam daleput...@hotmail.com
Date: 12/11/2013 16:11 (GMT-05:00)
To: mcduf...@garymcduffie.com,elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Regardless of the method of soldering a PL-259, before trying to flow
solder through the holes in the connector, use a file on the surface
surrounding the holes and even in the holes (you can use a small reamer)
to break the surface finish and roughen the area. Be sure to blow all
metal flakes
If you want a good guide with pictures for installing Pl-259 connectors, go
to...
http://www.mgs4u.com/PL-259-connectors.htm
On the Max Gain Systems web site
Art
KC7GF
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On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 3:59 PM, Art Bross acbr...@yahoo.com wrote:
If you want a good guide with pictures for installing Pl-259 connectors,
go to...
http://www.mgs4u.com/PL-259-connectors.htm
On the Max Gain Systems web site
Anyone use this companies PL-259 or should I just stick with
On 11/12/2013 3:46 PM, Jeffrey Wolf wrote:
Regardless of the method of soldering a PL-259, before trying to flow
solder through the holes in the connector, use a file on the surface
surrounding the holes and even in the holes (you can use a small reamer)
This is completely unnecessary (and is
ONLY the nickel plated body of the PL259 needs that crude but necessary
rework.The silver doesn't.. doing that to the silver plated PL259 will detract
from its abilityto do a good job.
Have a great day,
--... ...--
Dale - WC7S in Wy
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 16:35:47 -0800
From:
Somewhat newbie question here. Playing around with my son’s iPad, downloaded
iSDR. I saw it used with used with KX3s, but can it be used with a K3’s
buffered I/F output? If so, any tricks? Couldn’t find anything in the archives…
73
Randy Cook - K6CRC
k6cr...@gmail.com
Randy,
There is a BIG difference between the I/Q outputs on the KX3 and the 8
MHz IF output on the K3.
The KX3 I/Q outputs can drive a soundcard (like the iMic) directly, but
the the K3 needs some sort of an SDR receiver tuned to the 8 MHz IF
output which will output I/Q signals that you
The power supply from allelectronics appears to be quite inexpensive, but
keep in mind, it is a switching = potentially noisy power supply.
I have read favorable comments on the Velleman PS1303U power supply as being
quiet, and it is not very expensive either. Google is your friend.
My
Being new to this group I don't know if this has been posted before. Have a
look at the Brunton Hydrogen Reactor at:
http://www.ohgizmo.com/2013/10/23/brunton-hydrogen-reactor-can-keep-you-off-
the-grid-for-months/
The Brunton web page at http://www.brunton.com/products/hydrogen-reactor
Thanks to all who responded about the Panavises. All are spoken for except
one of the model #311 bench clamp vise mounts.
73,
Gary
N6LRV
-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary
Sent: Monday, November 11, 2013
So far I've counted 96 posts on soldering connectors onto coax. Really?
Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch
Staunton, Illinois
email: b...@wjschmidt.com
-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
Having just repaired some PowerPole jumpers, don't stop when you've finished
the coax. :-)
Cheers - Bill, AE6JV
On 11/11/13 at 8:18 AM, dpbu...@gmail.com (David Bunte) wrote:
Many thanks for sharing your experience. That is the kind of information
we all either did, do or will need at some
Like so many auto antenna tuners out there (MFJ, LDGetc...), many can be
put in the manual mode and stepped through different settings.I'm running
the K2 KAT100 tuner and really like the unit. So, is there a technique I can
use to manually step through various L/C setting for those hard
On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 7:39 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II
b...@wjschmidt.com wrote:
So far I've counted 96 posts on soldering connectors onto coax. Really?
Yeah, really.
A lot of people take really common stuff for granted, like soldering
connectors onto coax. For those of us who don't
It's obviously a topic of -intense- interest to a -lot- of folks.
73!
K0PP
On Wed, Nov 13, 2013 at 5:28 AM, Frank Precissi vad...@gmail.com wrote:
On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 7:39 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II
b...@wjschmidt.com wrote:
So far I've counted 96 posts on soldering connectors
Yeah, really?
I've been following this thread and can see we've barely scratched the surface
of PL-259 assembly techniques. Where are the comments on brazing, laser
welding, induction welding, and so forth? And how do you attach a PL-259 to
hard line? And what about mods to use the
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