[TowerTalk] nickel vs silver PL259s

[K7LXC@aol.com]

In a message dated 07/26/2000 8:06:41 AM Pacific Daylight Time, rick@area.com 
writes:

> I need to install a bunch of PL259s on some Bury Flex coax.
>  I have a bunch of nickel plated ones in my junk box that
>  don't solder worth a darn.  Is there any particular trick
>  to getting these to work (such as more heat, activated rosin
>  flux, sanding off the oxide first, etc)?  Or should I 
>  donate these connectors to some worthy cause like the local
>  CB club and use silver plated connectors exclusively?

    The biggest electrical difference is that silver oxide is a conductor 
whereas nickel oxide is not so using silver connectors would give the best 
longterm reliability.

    The second trick is to use accepted weatherproofing techniques (no - that 
doesn't mean CoaxSeal!). Use of a high quality tape (like Scotch 33 or 88) 
and a layer of vapor wrap (like db Products or similar professional product) 
will ensure longterm and bombproof reliability. Champion Radio Products 
handles both of these materials.

Cheers,   Steve    K7LXC
Champion Radio Products
www.championradio.com
Tower Tech

--
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
Submissions:              towertalk@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-towertalk@contesting.com