Coax Connector Coax Connector InstallationInstallation

by Marty Woll N6VIby Marty Woll N6VI

ARES-Los AngelesARES-Los Angeles

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails © 2010 N6VI

Common coax connector Common coax connector typestypes

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

UHFType N

BNCTNC

SMA

Coax connector type PL-259Coax connector type PL-259-””UHF connector” is a misnomerUHF connector” is a misnomer-non-constant impedance raises SWRnon-constant impedance raises SWR-not inherently weatherproofnot inherently weatherproof-lossy at VHF and UHF frequencieslossy at VHF and UHF frequencies-reasonably durable in the fieldreasonably durable in the field-ubiquitous on commercial ham gearubiquitous on commercial ham gear-right vs. wrong way to install on the right vs. wrong way to install on the cablecable

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

Why install your own Why install your own connectors?connectors?

-Less expensive than store-bought Less expensive than store-bought assembliesassemblies-Get exactly the length you needGet exactly the length you need-Easier to route cable without connectorEasier to route cable without connector-Lets you make field repairsLets you make field repairs-Help recognize improperly installed Help recognize improperly installed connectorconnector-Satisfaction of knowing how to do itSatisfaction of knowing how to do it

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

Pardon me, your braid is Pardon me, your braid is showingshowing

(a sure sign of trouble)(a sure sign of trouble)

© 2010 N6VI

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

PL-259 has rear threadsPL-259 has rear threads

© 2010 N6VI

These threads make a good mechanical connection with the coax jacket

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

Installing a PL-259 the factory Installing a PL-259 the factory wayway

(courtesy of ARRL)

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

To do it right, use the right To do it right, use the right toolstools

© 2010 N6VI

Tubing cutter

Silicone grease

Heavy iron

Round-jaw pliers

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

Line it up and trim the Line it up and trim the jacketjacket

© 2010 N6VI

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

Tin the braid before Tin the braid before assemblyassembly

© 2010 N6VI

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

Trim braid with a tubing Trim braid with a tubing cuttercutter

© 2010 N6VI

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

After trimming the braidAfter trimming the braid

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Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

Thread the body onto the Thread the body onto the coaxcoax

© 2010 N6VI

A light dab of silicone grease on last ½” of jacket makes threading easier Lightly clamped round-jaw

pliers aid threading and won’t damage connector body. Seat firmly.

Be sure the shell is on!

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

Ready to solder!Ready to solder!

© 2010 N6VI

Solder tip first and let cool

Heat braid and body, then add the solder.

Do all 4 holes.

Work quickly!

Perform a body-to-tip continuity check before and after soldering

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

Soldering completedSoldering completed

© 2010 N6VI

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

And for the solder-phobic,And for the solder-phobic,there are crimp connectorsthere are crimp connectors

© 2010 N6VI

Body

Ferrule

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

No “eyeballing” here; No “eyeballing” here; measure it!measure it!

© 2010 N6VI

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

Crimp tip and rear ferrule (which Crimp tip and rear ferrule (which bonds braid to body) with the bonds braid to body) with the

proper toolproper tool

© 2010 N6VI

Be sure the ferrule is on before you crimp the tip

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails

Here’s the finished Here’s the finished productproduct

© 2010 N6VI

Thank you!Thank you!

Amateur Radio . . . when all else fails © 2010 N6VI

Marty Woll N6VIMarty Woll N6VI

ARES-Los AngelesARES-Los Angeles