[TowerTalk] Fw: Amphenol PL259

[David Branson KC0LL]

Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Amphenol PL259


At work for over 26 years we put a small washer in the PL259 so the reducer mashes the shield tight between the body and reducer as it is screwed in. We never solder the shield. After all, even the center pin of the PL259 is only a pressure fit in the SO239. In 26 years and 1000's of mobile coaxes installed we never had a problem doing it this way. This is much more foolproof than soldering and heating (melting) the center insulation. Larsen antennas use to come with a Teflon washer in the PL259 bag! Teflon or plastic worked fine, but I have also used very small metal washers. 

As for RG213 or RG8, we ALWAYS fold the shield back over the outside jacket and screw the outer body of the PL239 over the shield, smashing the shield between the outer jacket and the body's threads, then cut the shield that sticks out with a knife held tight against the body and turn the body, it cuts it nice and flush. We (of course) solder the center pin. This has been 100% reliable and works better than soldering. Also, it is easer to get new guys to do it right 100% of the time than the soldering/melting way. On antennas up in the air it holds the coax in the connector MUCH better than it hanging from only the shield, poorly soldered at best. I know you need a strain relief, but on mountain tops with ice you need all the help you can get.
Not wanting to start a debate, but this works, I know it works, and for us it works best.



  
David F. Branson

Senior Technician
Action Communications, Inc. 
Tucson, AZ 
520.792.0326
520.792.2709 fax
KC0LL at comcast.net
www.kc0ll.net
www.ActionCommunications.com

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