Ive used these best quality silver PL-259 connectors and RG-8X. Ive found that tinning the center + electrode prior to inserting into the barrel of great advantage. When the final task of soldering this electrode is undertaken, the previous tinning step greatly fenhances the soldering process.
I agree with you. I also like to tin all the parts of the connector that will be soldered to the strand and center before the coax is put it, it minimizes the time you have the iron on the fitting while soldering and gives the center core less overall heat. Nice demonstration by the author.
Any antenna line has been up for more than 18 months has a very high risk of getting some water inside. By covering up those holes you just removed the chance for water to get out if it does get in. Those holes are nice indicators and vent holes if you will you can weatherproof keep the water out of those holes but if water gets in you want those holes available let the water back out and or gas
Is it worth soldering the shield too ? If you do it the proper manner the heat could damage the dielectric and thus give some impedance trouble. Instead the contact should be done by simply screwing the connector on the shield. Or just solder one point only, not the whole circle. Did you measure the SWR on a dummy load ?
Screwing the barrel on without soldering is incorrect. The braid is just loosely touching the barrel. You must solder the braid to the barrel or use crimp style connectors. There is no other choice. Why do you think there are four holes on the barrel?
Please learn how to properly solder. I will be very surprised if this connection didn't fail over time. Always apply solder to the heated joint, not to the hot soldering iron tip. The technique shown here will produce a cold solder joint.
LesterElm1 I was thinking the same thing. I'm unsure though if he was tacking the braid onto the connector body to hold it in place, or doing it to make an electrical connection. Seems as though the braid is connected mechanically to the body of the connector by compression, but if it requires solder for electrical connection you are correct, it may fail.
You are right but doing it properly will certainly damage the dielectric, especially if the coax has few losses for VHFUHF and is expensive too. Why not simply screw the connector ? Or crimp it, but I believe that only pros have the tool to do that.
By far the best demonstration I've seen on soldering a pl-259 with a reducer. Thank you for taking the time to demo!
I really like the idea of soldering the shield onto the adapter/reducer. That was an excellent idea.
Ive used these best quality silver PL-259 connectors and RG-8X. Ive found that tinning the center + electrode prior to inserting into the barrel of great advantage. When the final task of soldering this electrode is undertaken, the previous tinning step greatly fenhances the soldering process.
Thank you for creating this video - such precision and clarity in your instructions.
Tinning the center CONDUCTOR will prevent losing any strands when screwing the connector on, and makes it easier to solder the center pin.
I agree with you. I also like to tin all the parts of the connector that will be soldered to the strand and center before the coax is put it, it minimizes the time you have the iron on the fitting while soldering and gives the center core less overall heat. Nice demonstration by the author.
Very good.
Any antenna line has been up for more than 18 months has a very high risk of getting some water inside. By covering up those holes you just removed the chance for water to get out if it does get in. Those holes are nice indicators and vent holes if you will you can weatherproof keep the water out of those holes but if water gets in you want those holes available let the water back out and or gas
Just wondering if that is the Eclipse PD-372 Mini Table Top Vacu-Vise? Thanks
you almost killed me when you dropped the soldering iron xD
Perfect! Thanks for the video!
Very nicely done! Thanks for sharing!
Where do you find the extra heavy wrap shrink tubing? Thanks
I razor knife or otherwise known as a box opener with a razor, looks like a pocket knife but actually safely holds a razor.
Great video, learned quite a bit in a few minutes! Thanks. Tim K5TGS
Hopefully it wasn't your thumb that ended up in the vice previously. Just kidding. Thanks for the nicely done videos.
Did you say bad words when you hit your thumb?
Thanks so much for these videos. About to tackle my first dipole antenna project.
73!
WA5AZQ-Michael
Austin, TX
Is it worth soldering the shield too ? If you do it the proper manner the heat could damage the dielectric and thus give some impedance trouble. Instead the contact should be done by simply screwing the connector on the shield. Or just solder one point only, not the whole circle. Did you measure the SWR on a dummy load ?
Screwing the barrel on without soldering is incorrect. The braid is just loosely touching the barrel. You must solder the braid to the barrel or use crimp style connectors. There is no other choice. Why do you think there are four holes on the barrel?
What type solder do you use
where did you buy that mini vise
damn.... i know that hurt when you slammed your thumb... 😭
Please learn how to properly solder. I will be very surprised if this connection didn't fail over time. Always apply solder to the heated joint, not to the hot soldering iron tip. The technique shown here will produce a cold solder joint.
LesterElm1 I was thinking the same thing. I'm unsure though if he was tacking the braid onto the connector body to hold it in place, or doing it to make an electrical connection. Seems as though the braid is connected mechanically to the body of the connector by compression, but if it requires solder for electrical connection you are correct, it may fail.
You are right but doing it properly will certainly damage the dielectric, especially if the coax has few losses for VHFUHF and is expensive too. Why not simply screw the connector ? Or crimp it, but I believe that only pros have the tool to do that.
Hi You talk about --> ( DX Engineering ) that's cool but what is the Name of it ? you did not say only said DX Engineering lol
😂😂😂 5:12