[UK-CONTEST] PL259 Connector loss

[David]

Keith

I used to do that but found that they leak RF after awhile. The braid to
connector resistance increases as the copper oxides build up between the
two. It depends how important RF leakage is to your set up. Being a SO2R
station it is very important to me to minimise leakage.

73 David

-----Original Message-----
From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Keith Maton
Sent: 03 February 2012 23:42
To: UK-Contest at contesting. com
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] PL259 Connector loss

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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