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Re: [TowerTalk] re Soldering PL259s

To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] re Soldering PL259s
From: "Keith Dutson" <kdutson@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2006 14:34:03 -0600
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Another thought-

I have used some older Belden 9913F7 and found the braid very difficult to
solder.  After finishing off the old reel I got a new reel and the braid on
this batch was easy to solder.  My conclusion - the braid on the old coax
was tarnished (oxidized).

Fortunately, 9913F7 has a very high melting point insulator, so you can pour
lots of heat to the braid.  I use a large tip Weller with digital temp
controller.

73, Keith NM5G

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Rob Atkinson, K5UJ
Sent: Monday, November 06, 2006 12:22 PM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] re Soldering PL259s

ur problem is that the connector is so massive, it's sinking all the heat
out of ur iron.  U need a lot of heat to quickly heat up the connector, and
get the solder flowing and get off it before the dielectric melts and the 
center migrates.    Even a soldering gun isn't enough because the tip is so 
small relative to the connector, the connector sinks out the tip heat and
the gun can't keep it hot.  You need something like either a Wahl 150 w. 
iron that has a big massive blade tip (like a big flathead screwdriver) or a
small torch.  The prob. with the wahl iron is it costs around 100 bucks and 
takes about 30 min. to heat up and cool down.   I'd go to someplace like 
Lowe's and get a small hand torch.  Instant heat, right into the braid 
holes.   It may take a few tries to get the hang of it but after that it's 
fast.   Plus you can solder with it anywhere, even outside in cold wx.  The 
usual torch safety precautions apply.  You'll probably get 50 responses as
everyone has their own way of doing this.  If ur uncomfortable with a torch,
get a big watt iron (however not everyone sells them so they may be a bit
hard to find).

rob / k5uj

p.s. another handy item to have is a small high speed fan or blower to put
the connector in front of & get it cooled down real quick when ur done.


***************************************

I used to know how but lately I cant seem to get it.

Using standard Soldering pen (you know the black with the long copper
tip). Ive always
tinned he braid.  Cut it with a tubing wheel and then strip and
solder.  But for
some reason this stuff isnt sticking.  Using silver ceramic connectors.
Ive for almost all my 30 years been able to d a connector up right.
Now I cannot.

the Coax is RF Products 9913 double silver braid with foil under.

HELP

I have a Solder gun avail, but really hate to zap the coax braid and
connector with that.

Scotty W7PSK
10-10 33700
Everett, Washington
Found on 14.070 or 28.120 PSK31 most times.

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