I've done a good portion of building a K2, and completely built a K1... But amazingly enough I've never solder terminated a coax link... I guess I've always preferred the look of professionally terminated cabling. But now I need a few simple short patch cables. In the shack I have a decent amount 60+ foot or so of RG58/U and then around 120 foot or so of RG58/AU... Pretty much seems about to be the same stuff with one stranded center and the other solid center conductor. I feel for HF use this coax should be ample for a few 18" patches... Anyone disagree? I may end up using these for VHF as well but doubtful I'd do much of anything over 150Mhz. I'm not married to using the cordage that I have on hand but it would be nice to be able to use that stuff.... If there is something that would fit better feel free to advise. (I've always been a fan of RG-8x for HAM use and I use RG-217 or better at work always but like I said I'm not terminating those myself...)
I've attempted to do this with PL-259 connectors before and was unsuccessful (but I tried to use a less than optimal soldering iron and it took too long to get things hot and I ended up with a short in the end). I've now bought an adequate dual temp weller gun and should have better success. So I guess for the next real question where would one recommend to get PL-259 and BNC connectors for this job. Should I go for solder on or crimp on? I'm more than willing to spend the money for a good crimp tool if need be and its a better option. Anyway I'm open to recommendations as to where one should procure the connectors as well as any tips, tricks, and opinions on what I should use (so long as the opinions come with explanations). ;) Thanks kindly gentlemen. ~Brett (KC7OTG) ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
