I have just assembled PL-259's without soldering the shield and they seem to work (tested only with SWR meter). But without solder the contact will deteriorate over time as the copper braid oxidizes. Not so bad if only used for inside connections. Since compression is used with other style connectors this may work fine. I would just be sure to thoroughly wx-seal any connectors that will be outside. Then time will tell if this method is good. Soldering all the holes in the PL-259 seals the connector from moisture intrusion (if taped).
I much prefer using N-connectors just about everywhere because of the superior contact design. PL-259 is not a good connector above 2m and is marginal at 2m. I wonder how this method of construction affects use with very high power (1500w)? For satellite RF levels (<50w) it may be OK.
73 - Ed
At 06:59 PM 12/5/2007, Auke de Jong, VE6PWN wrote:
I thought it was a bad idea, untill I borrowed an anritsu 331D and swept my feedlines for proof one way or the other... I just folded the shield back over the sheath, and twisted the PL-259 onto the cable until the dielectric was past the solder holes, trimmed-off the excess shielding, soldered the centre conductor, and called it good. It seems to work well on both RG-8 and several different LMR-400 equivalent cables that I have tried. hardly even a bump on the tester thru 450MHz!
Auke, VE6PWN ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick Mann" rmann@latencyzero.com To: "AMSAT-BB" amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2007 9:47 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Where can I buy pre-made feedline?
I'd like Belden 9913 with PL-259 connectors pre-attached, 50'. Ham Radio Outlet (every store) is out of this, and so they sold me 50' bulk cable and connectors. I have been trying VERY unsuccessfully to solder these, but I am unable to do it. I can sold 0603 SMT resistors and 0.5 mm pitch TQFPs, but not this.
I have tried multiple techniques. I am no longer interested in trying to solder this.
Google has been less than helpful in finding online stores.
Can someone point me to a reputable online retailer who can ship this to me immediately? Thank you!
-- Rick
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