[TowerTalk] PL-259 - can connectors be recycled?

[Steven Katz]

Jim, I always remember the original design documents which are now 88 years old (!) for the PL-259:   "Single use (non-reusable) radio frequency waveguide connector..."  😝



I don't bother trying to re-use them.   Purchased in bulk (I used to buy 100 at a time), even today they're not expensive.







-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Sunday, July 14, 2024 4:24 PM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] PL-259 - can connectors be recycled?



Exactly right, Steven! And that's how I install them. Some PTFE-insulated and jacketed Commscope coax mfd for use in data centers, and that's equivalent to a very good RG8, has diameters smaller than RG8. To properly mount connectors on it, I had to build up the o.d. with a good heat shrink so that connectors could screw onto it and hold well..



Wes -- how do you deal with this? Is the propane torch hot enough to melt the outer jacket? Residue?



73, Jim K9YC



On 7/14/2024 1:30 PM, Steven Katz wrote:

> My take on this is:   This is difficult to accomplish successfully IF

> the connectors were originally properly installed.

>

> That’s because what holds the cable into the connector isn't solder:

> Soldering makes the electrical bonds; the mechanical bond is

> accomplished when the connector is tightly threaded onto the cable

> jacket, so unless you can unthread it (possibly by melting the cable

> jacket material until it flows), after removing all the solder, the

> cable will still be in the connector.





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