[TowerTalk] Fwd: Fwd: Fwd: sealing PL259's

[Hans Hammarquist via TowerTalk]

Why use any excessive force on a knurled nut if it is not necessary. Yes, it is necessary for the PL-256 to ensure a reliable (sort of) connection. (That's why I don't like it.) You should not expect some repeated twisting motion on the connector unless it is a too short cable between your tower and your beam.


The rubber gaskets in the N and BNC connectors are mostly for weather sealing and only a very limited strain release. That's why you find additional release on military installations. Also you should consider the mechanical connection on the PL-256 as a more than limited strain release. Yeas, it might be stronger but that strong.


Hans - N2JFS



-----Original Message-----
From: Roger (K8RI) on TT <K8RI-on-TowerTalk at tm.net>
To: towertalk <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Tue, May 26, 2015 7:54 pm
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Fwd:  Fwd:  sealing PL259's


Use a thin sheet of  Silicone rubber in a "U" shape inside the pliers to protect the connectors.  It works for me, but I'm often too impatient to worry about a cheap PL-259 (Even Silver plated Amphenols are cheap) BNCs are basically miniature N connectors, bur they lose a lot to scale and are veryweak.  I've never seen them used outdoors.  It tales little strength to pull the coax out of one, making them an interconnect only for me.

N are stronger, but not as strong as a properly soldered UHF connector. They weather proof, but don't ignore the Coax seal and tape.  The last "clamp" N Type I used, ended up with a dose of epoxy in the braid seal (the weak spot for strength) making them a one use only connector. Not quite as good as oil filter wrenches but I've never seen one of those wrenches that small.