Coax Connector Installation by Marty Woll N6VI ARES-Los Angeles Amateur Radio... when all else fails © 2010 N6VI

Common coax connector types Amateur Radio... when all else fails UHF Type N BNC TNC SMA

Coax connector type PL ”UHF connector” is a misnomer - non-constant impedance raises SWR - not inherently weatherproof - lossy at VHF and UHF frequencies - reasonably durable in the field - ubiquitous on commercial ham gear - right vs. wrong way to install on the cable Amateur Radio... when all else fails

Why install your own connectors? - Less expensive than store-bought assemblies - Get exactly the length you need - Easier to route cable without connector - Lets you make field repairs - Help recognize improperly installed connector - Satisfaction of knowing how to do it Amateur Radio... when all else fails

Pardon me, your braid is showing (a sure sign of trouble) © 2010 N6VI

Amateur Radio... when all else fails PL-259 has rear threads © 2010 N6VI These threads make a good mechanical connection with the coax jacket

Amateur Radio... when all else fails Installing a PL-259 the factory way (courtesy of ARRL)

Amateur Radio... when all else fails To do it right, use the right tools © 2010 N6VI Tubing cutter Silicone grease Heavy iron Round-jaw pliers

Amateur Radio... when all else fails Line it up and trim the jacket © 2010 N6VI

Amateur Radio... when all else fails Tin the braid before assembly © 2010 N6VI

Amateur Radio... when all else fails Trim braid with a tubing cutter © 2010 N6VI

Amateur Radio... when all else fails After trimming the braid © 2010 N6VI

Amateur Radio... when all else fails Thread the body onto the coax © 2010 N6VI A light dab of silicone grease on last ½” of jacket makes threading easier Lightly clamped round-jaw pliers aid threading and won’t damage connector body. Seat firmly. Be sure the shell is on!

Amateur Radio... when all else fails Ready to solder! © 2010 N6VI Solder tip first and let cool Heat braid and body, then add the solder. Do all 4 holes. Work quickly! Perform a body- to-tip continuity check before and after soldering

Amateur Radio... when all else fails Soldering completed © 2010 N6VI

Amateur Radio... when all else fails And for the solder-phobic, there are crimp connectors © 2010 N6VI Body Ferrule

Amateur Radio... when all else fails No “eyeballing” here; measure it! © 2010 N6VI

Amateur Radio... when all else fails Crimp tip and rear ferrule (which bonds braid to body) with the proper tool © 2010 N6VI Be sure the ferrule is on before you crimp the tip

Amateur Radio... when all else fails Here’s the finished product © 2010 N6VI

Thank you! Amateur Radio... when all else fails © 2010 N6VI Marty Woll N6VI ARES-Los Angeles