[Amps] soldering vs crimping

[Dick Green WC1M]

> > First of all I would like to correct a small misconception about the
> > little side hole in the center pin of all connectors: it is there to
> > provide a visual verification of the placement of the central wire,
> NOT for soldering!
> 
> It's good for both !!!   Visualy confirm the placement, and then it
> makes for a great way to get solder into the joint.

Right, and I'm not sure there's a better alternative to using the hole. The
only other way to solder the center pin is to leave a small space between
the opening of the pin and the dielectric, heat the pin, then apply solder
along the ridge of the pin opening so that the solder is drawn into the pin
(not unlike sweating pipe joint.) But I checked the drawing from one
manufacturer, RF Connectors, and they specify that the pin must be butted up
against the dielectric. If you do that, there's no way to get solder into
the pin other than through the hole.

73, Dick WC1M

> -----Original Message-----
> From: donroden at hiwaay.net [mailto:donroden at hiwaay.net]
> Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2012 7:35 AM
> To: amps at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [Amps] soldering vs crimping
> 
> Quoting Alex Eban <alexeban at gmail.com>:
> 
> > First of all I would like to correct a small misconception about the
> > little side hole in the center pin of all connectors: it is there to
> > provide a visual verification of the placement of the central wire,
> NOT for soldering!
> 
> 
> 
> 
> It's good for both !!!   Visualy confirm the placement, and then it
> makes for a great way to get solder into the joint.
> 
> I've been doing "N" s like this on commercial TV and FM coaxes running
> 1KW+ for over 40 years and have never had a problem with a joint
> constructed like this.
> 
> I also fan the braid and use a 300 watt gun to tin the braid in a ring
> around the dielectric.  The secret is a hot gun, and freeze spray after
> the solder hardens... that way, no dielectric deforming.  You
> will get good after a few trials.   A second person  rotating the coax
> is very helpful.
> 
> 
> Then I trim the soldered braid with a side cutter and then assemble
> the connector.    No chance of shorted connectors due to small pieces
> of braid ......  and when assembled, and during "scientific testing"
> the connector will support over 200 pounds.
> 
> Don W4DNR
> 
>