PL259

[SparkyTris]

Is there a definitive method for installing a PL259?
what are the little holes (sometimes circular, sometimes rectangular) actually for, in the core part of the connector?

Ive just been working with a respected ex-RO and Electrician of many years experience who insists that no soldering is required anywhere on a PL259...

 

[securespark]

Just found this that says no solder, but then he uses the soldering iron!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPlcT9SXNPs

 

[bernardgreen]

Definately solder the centre pin.

The holes are to feed solder into the joint close to the tip. To reduce the risk of melting the insulation the pin should be heated at it's tip.

 

[bernardgreen]

Just looked at the video. That method of connecting the braid depends on the quality of the sheath remaining firm enough to hold the threaded part securely.

Bcack in the 1980's when I worked with radio systems the braid had to be soldered to the connector on a transmitter feed.

EDIT I was getting the N type and the PL259 mixed up. Still say the braid should be soldered.

 

[ericmark]

I normally soldered the braid but I would think frequency matters. Since always VHF I always soldered with HF it may be less important.

There were some crimp models but the crimper's were so expensive and it mean you could not reuse them.

I noted some firms would crimp a BNC and use an adaptor to PL259. These

are clearly not soldered but these

with a cut out at tip clearly have centre core soldered but as to outer braid not so sure.

Many sites show the braid clamped by the screw but I know I did not always match cable thickness to connector and likely I soldered the braid because wrong size rather than required.

 

[JohnW2]

I normally soldered the braid but I would think frequency matters. Since always VHF I always soldered with HF it may be less important.

Soldering the tip is fair enough, but how did you manage to solder the braid without damaging the cable? It's a long time ago, but I don't recall soldering the braid of BNC, PL259 or Type N, even at UHF (I only used Type N for "23cm", about 1.3 GHz).

Kind Regards, John

 

[ericmark]

300 watt soldering iron. If the iron is large then the time is short. As I say in the main I think as not done one for some time it was because wrong size coax used for the connector.