At 05:45 PM 9/7/2016 -0400, "Jeff Griffin" kb2m@arrl.net wrote:
I also now use mostly crimp connections. The tools aren't that expensive, I spent under $100. Before I retired one of the last projects I did was do the engineering on the 10 year tech refresh for the 20 FAA ARTCC's GPS time source. I had to spec a 200 + foot cable run from the antenna on the roof to the actual time source unit. I worked with crimp connectors exclusively. After I did some crimps, I will never go back to solder. I do find it easier to solder the center pin though. On the old N type, I always had issues after awhile with the shield coming out on the cable run from the rotor loop to the antenna. If you must solder, use the newer type that go together like a PL-259 like Jim suggested. They will last much longer ...
73 Jeff kb2m
I'm finding this an interesting thread. I've always been partial to clamp N connectors my self. When I've needed to replace cable, I just un-clamp de-solder the center pin and re-use the connector.
I will say over the years, I have had to numerous times re-do the clamp-ons around the rotor and antennas as they do become loose and lose shield ground as others here have noted.
I may look into crimp.
KB7ADL