[TowerTalk] RE: Crappy PL259's

[Tom Rauch]

> keep per unit pricing low.  I can generally use my Weller
> controlled-tip 30-watt solder station with these.  On the all nickel
> PL-259s, nothing but my "big-bertha" 250-watt Weller gun seems to
> work. 

The key is always having a clean fresh surface to solder, preferably 
freshly pre-tinned.

If you are worried about melting the dielectric, keep a wet sponge 
handy and use a BIG iron or gun! Solder each hole then cool with a 
wipe of the moist sponge.

If you want to tin the braid, lightly tin with the braid all the way out 
to the very end BEFORE you cut the braid and center dielectric 
back. Then you can deeply scribe or cut the braid by rolling it with 
a sharp knife, and break the outer end off. To get a tight braid off 
the end, heat the outer cut portion to solder melting and it will slide 
right off. Then you can cut the center insulation off to the proper 
length.

This is how we cut teflon and irradiated polyethylene cables in 
manufacturing, although it also works with low temperature cables 
if you are careful with heat and have a big enough heat source, 
skill,  and a wet sponge.
73, Tom W8JI
W8JI@contesting.com 

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