[TowerTalk] PL 259 Connectors

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

Contrary to some, I use Amphenol and I've used several imports that were 
just as good.  With PL259s I use only crimp.  They are fast, easy, and 
consistent and stronger than the solder type.. I use two sizes of what's 
often referred to as flooded heat shrink tubing.  It is lined with hot 
melt glue. Some don't like tat approach as when removed some glue is 
left behind. I do not like any method that does not seal to the 
connector and coax jacked.  Crimp connectors are different for 8X, or 
small coax. No adapter needed

To attach the connector, just use a properly adjusted stripper. First, 
(If you use heat shrink, slide the smaller piece on first) slide the 
crimping band down the coax. Then a couple turns around the coax with 
the stripper and it's ready for the connector. Slide the back of the 
connector over the dielectric and under the braid. (foil goes inside)  
You can flare or spread the braid out a little to make sure there are no 
loose strands that could cause a short. Check for foil at the end of the 
dielectric as well.  The center conductor should protrude from the 
connector center pin a little. Slide that crimping sleeve up over the 
braid to the shoulder (as far as it will go)  When crimped the sleeve 
should reach over the coax jacket a bit.  The center pin tip is reduced 
in diameter for about an  eighth of an inch. Crimp this onto the center 
conductor and trim the center conductor flush with the tip after 
crimping.  At this point I slide the piece of heat shrink all the way up 
to the shoulder and "shrink it".
If One piece of coax already has a connector and I'm out in the field, I 
wrap the whole splice, connection, what ever, with self vulcanizing tape 
or coax seal and wrap that with a couple layers of good electrical tape 
for protection.

In the old days, I just used a sharp knife (before box cutters) to strip 
coax almost as quick as the strippers.OTOH we didn't have the handy 
crimpers back then, braid wasn't as fragile and I had two working hands.

73

Roger (K8RI)



On 5/9/2016 Monday 5:18 PM, Timothy A. Holmes wrote:
> Hi Guys:
>
> I suspect that I am going to start a firestorm with this, but here goes.
>
> I am getting ready to do a big rebuild / expansion on my now 20 foot 
> tower, its going to 40 or 50.  Part of the project is that I need to 
> re run some of the coax feedlines.  there will probably be several 
> questions in different posts to keep things organized (in my mind if 
> no where else)
>
> What is the best kind of PL 259 connectors to use.  I purchased some 
> cheap ones at Dayton last year and am NOT happy with them, they dont 
> seem to hold well nor make exceptional contact -- i suspect they were 
> just cheap aluminum.  I have easy (20 miles) access to the 
> DXEngineering store, so their products would be my preference.
>
> Thanks
> TIM
> W8TAH
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-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)


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