[TowerTalk] Using A Big Iron On PL-259's

[Ian White, G3SEK]

Jones's Law:
>The secret is simple - high heat, short time. With an
>iron, we consider 10 - 30 seconds the window for all four holes in a PL 

 ...and if your iron can't do it in that time, it probably isn't big
enough!


The Farnell catalog in the UK now carries 'Multicomp' UHF plugs with a
solderless pressure-sleeve shield clamp (rather like the MA/COM improved
N type). You tighten down with a wrench to make a solid shield contact
that's strong enough to swing on. Only the center pin needs to be
soldered with a small iron.

The connectors have a gold-plated center pin, Teflon insulation, and
nickel-plated brass body. RG58 uses a completely different plug body,
not a reducer. 

They are more expensive than standard PL-259s, but a real lifesaver for
outdoor use.

Farnell/Newark in the USA might have them... they're worth seeking out.

73 from Ian G3SEK          Editor, 'The VHF/UHF DX Book'
                          'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
                           http://www.ifwtech.com/g3sek

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