[TowerTalk] Plumbing > Hardline

[W7NN at aol.com]

For a guide in pictures to install plumbing fixtures on 3/4" hardline, check 
the web site at www.HamStuff.com.  Follow the links under "pictures of the 
station"

73

Ron
www.HamStuff.com

In a message dated 7/16/03 4:22:37 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
w6ter at worldnet.att.net writes:


> Several have asked me to elaborate after my post regarding using
> plumbing fittings to connect to hardline. Here goes:
> 
> 
> 
> I have hardline with a solid aluminum shield. The shield is ½ inch in
> diameter.
> 
> 
> 
> I purchase a plumbing fitting that has a compression coupling on one end
> that is made for ½ inch copper tubing. In other words, the ID of the
> compression end is ½ inch. I use Penetrox and compress the connection to
> the hardline shield. The other end has inside threads for ½ inch OD
> pipe. I drill out the threads with a ½ inch drill. The body of a PL-259
> is ½ inch. I then solder the PL-259 in place (after removing the center
> pin, see below).
> 
> 
> 
> I drill out the center conductor pin of a PL-259 with a bit the size of
> the diameter of the center conductor of my hardline, which is .172 inch.
> The center conductor fits directly, and nicely, into a SO-239. So, I
> have a bit of an air dielectric in the brass fittings but works just
> fine.
> 
> 
> 
> You may have different size hardline, and thusly different dimensions. I
> suggest you take a piece of your hardline, a PL-259, and a SO-239 down
> to your local professional plumbing supplier and ask them to help.
> 
> 
> 
> Gerry Smith, W6TER