There are prefab cables and then again there are prefab cables. A few years ago, I was given a couple of boxes of BNC jumper cables, new, intended for computer to network jumpers. RG-58 size cable, molded on boots.
After several of these proved less than reliable, I cut several apart. The cable is built like audio cables, thin foil shield and a small amount of wire shield. The connectors were off-size and did not always fit a MIL-spec BNC female connector. And one of the reasons the cables failed was the shell came apart. On the other hand, I have some military surplus BNC jumper cables that are excellent, made with double shielded cable, silver plated BNCs, etc. A ratcheting crimp tool and a set of commonly used jaws from RF Parts will run well over $100, but a similar quality tool from The RF Connection is less than half that. I have ratcheting tools from both sources and can't see much difference in quality. If you only need one tool, the RF Connection version is about $35, with jaws. When it comes to connectors, a similar option is available. You can get cheap Chinese crimp BNC connectors for about a buck each. You can also get (Amphenol RX series) a higher quality connector, made in either Mexico or China, for a bit more money, or you can go full up on a silver plated MIL-spec style connector. Jack K8ZOA On 1/28/2010 8:23 AM, Brian Alsop wrote: > Bret, > Look at the cost of small quantities of decent BNC connectors. > Then look at the price of prefab cables. You'll find that buying prefab > stuff is cheaper. Add in the cost of a crimper tool and prefab's are the > way to go. > > The break even point is probably several hundred. > > 73 de Brian/K3KO > > P.S. I generally hate buying prefab cables because "hams should make > their own cables" in my opinion. However hams are alwayS out to save > money so $$ rule the roost. What galls me is the $20 to $50 price tag > on prefab cables for rigs to anything. Invest in a soldering iron, > perhaps a $3 set of binocular vision goggles, some solder and do it your > self. > > Brett Howard wrote: > >> 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 >> >> > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > > ______________________________________________________________ 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
