[TowerTalk] Making and testing coax jumpers with PL-259 connectors

[Mark .]

Tom, is there a simple way to perform that high voltage test?

Could you test the jumper with high power RF to a dummy load for a few 
seconds and monitor the SWR?

All my experience is with 100W or less. When I make coax jumpers, I usually 
just visually inspect the solder joints, check for shorts between center pin 
and shield, and check for continuity from center pin-to-center pin, and from 
shell-to-shell.

Also, immediately after soldering the center pins, I've learned to wipe off 
any rosin flux residue from the center pins before it hardens. Tiny residues 
here once had me chasing my tail on a project.

If I suspect the coax is damaged, aged, or the wrong impedance, I'll connect 
a dummy load to one end and my antenna analyzer to the other end.


If there is one problem that is the bane of a Ham's existence, I submit that 
it's dealing with improperly installed PL-259's.

I propose the CW code test should be replaced by a PL-259 installation 
test!!!

--...MARK_N1LO...--


Tom W8JI writes:

<< When ever I make a cable up, I high voltage test it for voltage 
breakdown.
When ever I buy a cable, I test it for high voltage breakdown. Best thing I 
ever learned to do, besides washing my hands.>>