[UK-CONTEST] PL259 connectors...

[Stewart Rolfe]

I get the feeling that most problems are down to their popularity which has lead to the market being flooded by cheap 'copies'. 

Buy them from rallies and you get nickel plated, over/under-size centre pins and melting nylon insulation. Definitely worth spending more and buying from reliable sources.

Mention has been made of the need to always solder the braid, something I do. However I recently used some (Farnell sourced) high quality compression gland types for RG59 cable. They are very easy to fit and have a professional 'feel' but wonder if eventual braid tarnishing may cause problems in the future?

73,

Stewart, GW0ETF  

PS The 'stocking up at the rally' attitude seems very popular with ferrite cores and rings too. Occasionally when I've asked the proud buyer what mix are they I just get a shrug of the shoulders...