Edward Cole wrote:
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).
Not soldering the braid seems to me like it could cause a big problem if you use a proper service entrance panel and polyphasers for lightning protection. You need a good shield connection for grounding. Granted, not many hams do the grounding/protection "properly" at home, but then again -- a lot of hams lose gear to lightning that probably wouldn't be lost if built properly.
It would also seem that if the shield has a questionable ground, you wouldn't get as much protection from other high RF noise sources in the local vicinity from the shield.
The partially or un-grounded shield could also become an IM generator in the form of metal-on-metal contact that's not solid. Not a problem in most home installations, but bad practice in general.
Nate WY0X