XPost: rec.radio.amateur.moderated
PE4BAS Amateur Radio Weblog
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UHF connectors mounting K3LR style extra tips
Posted: 28 Oct 2021 12:33 PM PDT
https://pe4bas.blogspot.com/2021/10/uhf-connectors-mounting-k3lr-style.html
I got the idea about this post after seeing a well known youtuber
struggling soldering connectors to his coax. Ending in a short inside one
of the connectors a few videos later. And yes, I hate those so
called "new" "watertight" style UHF (PL259). At a certain moment you have
to slide a kind of metal head into the outer screen of the coax. It looks
easy when a pro does it. Like in this video from M&P. But it isn't easy and faults are easily made when you're not experienced. Although I have to tell that I really like the design of M&P evolution UHF connector, I'm shure
this is a high quality connector that will last for many years. Especially
the heat stress on the coax can be avoided with this type of connector, and
a big pro is that the connector can easily be salvaged if needed.
However, I still have a bag full old salvaged UHF connectors and even
new "old style" ones. In the past.....well 10 years ago I installed them
like this:
Resulting in a few issues with the connection of the screen to the
connector especially when it ages.
Then a few years ago I read about the K3LR (famous contester from the USA) style UHF connector install. I have to say, I really like this style and
adopt it since a few years. Best description how to install K3LR style can
be found in this document:
http://www.nelarc.org/files/pl259.pdf
Basically the outer screen is not soldered through the soldering holes but
at the backside of the connector. However, in practice, of course things
will work out different. So, I got a few tips.
First of all file and clean the backside of the connector for easier
soldering
Second tin the backside of the connector. Don't apply too much.
Personally I prefer to solder the outer screen only to the backside and
don't fold it over the connector. This is a choice of course. I think it is easier to slide a heat shrink tube over it this way.
Nice and tidy result. And if needed the connector can easily be salvaged.
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