[UK-CONTEST] PL259 Connector loss

[Keith Maton]

I'll say from the outset that I hate PL259 connectors with a passion!  Up until a couple of years ago, I'd always replace SO239s on radios and amplifiers with N-Types but that was when I was running exclusively VHF/UHF.

Now I'm on HF, I accept that a 259 will do but it doesn't mean I like them.

I've never soldered the shield though.  I fold the shield back around the outer and then screw it into the body of the plug for a good and solid mechanical connection.  It's a very tight fit, a good pair of pliers are essential to being able to do this.  I've never noticed any PL259s getting warm so I suppose it must work.

Or am I doing something badly wrong by putting them on this way?

73
Keith, G6NHU.


On 1 Feb 2012, at 18:23, David wrote:

> Ian
> 
> I teach the intermediate course how to solder using a PL259 of the worst
> type and show them how to do it by using a file and a drill. File the
> plating off near the hole and slightly enlarge the hole by drilling it out.
> But I also teach them to tin the braid on the coax and cut off the access
> braid. This makes soldering the plug on to the braid easier.
> 
> I demonstrate by doing one end of a short length of RG213. They do the other
> end to prove they have learned the lesson and can do this part of the
> course. They get a good patch lead for their shack.
> 
> Having done the above, I then show them a braid clamp type and tell them to
> only ever use this type.
> 
> I agree the silver plated connectors are the best solder type but not seen
> them in the UK in recent years. I understand that silver plating has lower
> IMD than nickel plating. Probably the difference is not material but may be
> some one knows better than I?
> 
> 73 David
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Ian White GM3SEK
> Sent: 01 February 2012 10:27
> To: uk-contest at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] PL259 Connector loss
> 
> G4BUO wrote:
>> Hear, hear. Nickel-plated PL259s are really hard to solder to. On my 
>> visits to Dayton I used to buy bags of silver-plated PL259s, worked out 
>> at less than a dollar each but it is a few years since I went. These 
>> plugs take solder very well and it is much easier to make a good 
>> soldered connection before the polythene dielectric melts!
>> 
>> The best way to deal wih a nickel-plated PL259 is to throw it in the 
>> bin. The second best way is to file away the plating so you expose the 
>> brass.
>> 
>> Ok, I am standing by for the emails from those who say you should only 
>> ever use N-type!
>> 
> 
> Not from me.  The 'UHF' series has kept its place at HF for very good
> reasons.
> 
> Two useful tips for soldering the braid to nickel-plated 259s (thanks to 'In
> Practice' contributors over the years):
> 
> 1. File across the 4 holes with a 3-4mm round file. Cut away the full depth
> of nickel plating inside the hole to leave a thin feather edge of bare brass
> which heats up and takes solder much more easily.
> 
> Try that one - it really does work.
> 
> 2. To help a small iron along, pre-heat the plug body with a hot air gun.
> 
> 
> But having said that, I don't buy old-style 259s any more. The rubber 
> sleeve compression type are well worth the extra money.
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> 73 from Ian GM3SEK
> http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
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