FPV: Soldering SMA connectors to RG402 coax

[@robertsomerset6630]

Great video! For the center pin, I have super thin solder and I cut off 1-2mm and put it inside the pin, then put the pin on the cable, and heat the pin. Keeps all the solder inside and makes a fantastic, mess-free connection. No scraping needed.

[@muctop17]

And gold staying clean on the outside is a better conductor also => skin effect

[@canavideoproductions]

Thanks for your video. I was trying and failing to find any SMA plugs for soldering. You have saved me 50 odd quid buying a crimp tool.

[@bensuhard]

Bruce, I'm pretty sure that the hole on the side(of the sma pin) is meant for putting your soldering iron tip into, then you melt some solder into the open end(don't fill it too much of course), and then put your wire in. That's just what I learned from KZbin, and is how I always do it.

[@billyproctor9714]

Bill from B.C., Can. I appreciate all you have done for in the RC game, Cheers!!

[@Spoif]

That was a nice solder job. Sometimes when a lot of heat is needed to get these heat-sink type jobs done I use a micro butane torch; the idea being that a lot of heat can be applied in a very short time... although you need to be very careful not to prolong or overheat your gear to the extent of damage.

[@nameinvalid69]

what the hell? the tiny pin actually is HOLLOW at the back end?! FFFFFFFFF!!!! thanks for teaching this, I was struggling with this freaking thing sooooo much trying to repair a broken plug.

[@parajared]

Thanks Bruce, I watched your video and got everything wired up last night. Appreciate the help.

[@helishskills]

Thank you Bruce for taking the time to educate us yet again! You're very generous; )

[@sauldel1981]

You have a lot of information in that head of yours! Great job! And thanks. Something you could look into fixing would be an XJT module from frsky. Mine started beeping right after I overtighten the antenna. A new antenna didn't fix it, so it must be the internal part (inside the module). Anyways, great video and thanks again

[@mrmurder75]

Bruces tip of the day.... Always keep your tip clean! Couldn't agree more :o)

[@Rocky-52]

Hi First, I'd like to say how much I enjoy watching you videos and I find myself constantly looking out for your latest stuff. I would love to see a video on frequency matching, ie cutting coax to length to match 5.8ghz transmissions and soldering plugs on to accept different aerials while still keeping it at 50 ohms. I also like the tutorials made by FPVtests, because as like yourself, he is very technical but is able to explain things in such a way that us 'Non-Technical' people can understand it.

[@imignap]

Missing magic flux pen regardless of inner flux in the solder! Thank you for making this video, this isnt as hard as i thought..

[@one4stevo]

Great video Bruce. Great Ebay tip too.. i got court ordered 3 packs of screws and revived one. lucky it was cheap so i didn't bother complaining.

[@lasersbee]

Thanks for showing how simple it is. :thumbs up:

[@robertmattison1282]

But I do really like your video, and that you took the time to make it and post it on KZbin. Live a Long and Healthy life.

[@DerTheoretiker]

Hi Bruce, you make a great job!

[@Moment_Captured]

Love your videos. It would be helpful to demonstrate that the finished product has no shorts. Thanks

[@brianmorrison9168]

Thankyou for this. I have a portable scanner with an SMA antenna. I was actually given a magnetic antenna and 2m of cable, but it doesn't have an end connection at the moment. I have a soldering iron somewhere, so will buy a connector and give it a try. I might get a better signal when in the car listening to the local harbour master, or ATC. The rubber duck antenna is OK, but not while in the car.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

I needed to make a custom coax cable recently, and searched high and low for solder-on SMA connectors. I couldn't find them anywhere, and wasn't willing to shell out $100+ for a crimp tool and dies. Would love to get a source for these.

[@thomasmaier1201]

@Aiden Flynn nice to see some other hackers here

[@TMachotka]

Many thanks for this Bruce. Helpful as usual.

[@rfcoaxialconnector6008]

Great Video, Many thanks!

[@rickstd7083]

Thank you Sir Bruce. Well done!

[@patedwards6968]

Thanks once again Bruce, this is one for a rainy day ;-)

[@krisraps]

YoU MAKE IT LOOK EASY !!!

[@TheInvaderDust]

Perfect timing AGAIN! your great Bruce. Thanks again!!

[@Handy-Harry]

I don't understand why you don't have your own show on Discovery Channel yet.

[@seafurymike]

Great one Bruce. Thumbs up

[@windage]

great tip on ebay sellers from overseas not shipping multiples of items in one order, happened to me recently too!

[@ChrisFredriksson]

What a beautiful job!

[@agentbertram4769]

Informative and good looking. It's an old guys in glasses thing. :O)

[@brentanddea]

Just need to plasti dip that awful looking orange protector =) It's all about the looks these days.. Probably handy for newer people who are attempting this to test resistance at the other end before coating cloverleaf. Nice to be safe and not sorry especially if you're pumping out 600mw. Good work Bruce.

[@duynguyenduc8710]

absolutely useful, Thanks so much

[@tailspins1]

Ok Bruce. Quadcopters are one aspect of the hobby but lets get back to where we were before the revolution. Also something with a wing and how one figures what electric motor to put on a nitro to electric conversion. So many motors to choose from but which one is correct for my application?

[@KevinAshcraft]

I never imagined I'd have so much fun learning how to soldering SMA ends onto coax #hamradio

[@sunrisehigh229]

Good one Bruce...thanks...

[@iforce2d]

Given that you're soldering on the exterior of both pieces at the end there, is that heat-shrink actually serving any purpose?

[@xjet]

***** It just makes it look nicer -- especially if your soldering is less than 100% attractive ;-)

[@RobB_VK6ES]

The semi rigid coax is it has poor fatigue properties as it was designed for fixed installations. I recently repaired one of my antennas because it had broken the shielding just where it enters the SMA connector. One of the advantages of using heatshrink is to provide some strain relief to the joint. So in this regard I would go so far as to actually double layer shrink the joint. Ideally the SMA body would be longer so there is plenty of heatshrink overlap but you just have to make do with the minimal body length.

[@TheQuadSpot]

Hey Bruce, just had a video idea for ya. How about How LiPo balance chargers actually keep the cells of a battery balanced. I've heard it both ways... At one end of the argument people say a charger only charges via the mains cable, and at the other end of the argument, people say the charger feeds current to each cell via the balance lead. Would be interesting to break this topic down with science and meters :)

[@jb4688]

and if you forget the heat shrink tubing....some of that super high-tech liquid tape might work!

[@DickGibson]

Great stuff man, I just ordered a bunch to try myself Thanks

[@DOJIELDIENVE]

very helpful. thanks Bruce.

[@nigelholland1811]

What temp do you use to solder these at Bruce. Thanks for sharing your wisdom as always.

[@AllanMain]

Bruce, I read somewhere that the length of the coax is important. Seem to recall that the optimum length for 5.8 is 5cm. Either side you get losses. Correct or myth?

[@captbuscemi]

Hello Bruce, love this video. Did you ever go ahead with your how-to on the crimp-style connectors?

[@DrVektor]

i love the soldering iron tip. Where did you buy it?

[@scottthompson2481]

Bruce when is the mini quad shootout coming ??? I now your busy but it seems like we have been waiting forever , many thanks Scott .

[@poppasmurf63]

Great instruction video again. Thanx. You may have posted this info in other video's I'm not sure, but can you suggest a source for purchasing both the RG402 and the SMA connectors? I tried the "big jungle" online store but didn't quite find the correct thing.

[@markjennings2315]

This is also how you can repair your broken TBS Triumph Antennas that may snap at the SMA in a bad crash.

[@sailorjohn2224]

Off topic I wish Bruce would revisit the new spectrum dx6,dx9 to determine if it uses the freg spectrum better and if the power is affected by the use of a dry cells 4.8 v and a handle antenna.Orange receiver prices are on the rise but is still cheaper for junk planes than any in the states. Just bought a frysky rec and doesn't appear to be FCC legal and cannot find a list of what is FCC legal in the states. One of our forms of protectionism .

[@eflute4800]

awesome video but frustrated you didnt show how to solder the input connector as well

[@illusivec]

DJ, gimme the music, Bruce on da binch!

[@hhobegginernew]

Hi bruce, can you share the links from ebay where you bought those connectors, somehow i cant find the ones you can solder. Just the crimp ones and i would prefer to solder them. Thanks!

[@thecentralscrutinizer5105]

know its 3 years old, but ehhhh, wth www.ebay.com/p/10-SMA-Male-Plug-Crimp-for-Rg178-1-13-Rg316-Solder-Cable-Straight-RF-Connector/668664571

[@KamilK3]

Haha. I know it's 3 years and 2 months old, but he probably either found them long time ago, or let it go long ago ;)

[@4lecsg]

shouldn't the connector housing make contact with the wire mesh inside the wire (i.e. ground) ?

[@lllaawwwmm11]

Where's the Mini quad comparison and the QAV250 review?

[@dylanzacher3474]

so you do not have to strip the insulation for the out side connection, will the solder melt through it? thanks

[@steadywhoop]

Is it not a problem that grounded metal shielding that prevents noise getting in and signal getting out is not connected ? In your video, it is only the main wire which is connected right ?

[@muumipeikko9228]

Hi Bruce, could you do a video on setting up OSD with the Naze32? What hardware is available and compatible with the FC and how to do the setup (wiring, flashing, etc).

[@HecTechFPV]

Maybe a video on crimping sma connectors would be good. id watch it anyways

[@MrTalaue]

semi rigid cable like RG402 may be bend only once and have copper tubing as an outer conductor! This cable in the video is braided cable

[@nwimpney]

+MrTalaue It's _semi_ rigid. It's not a conventional braid and won't fray even when you cut it. Unlike normal braided cables like RG316, when you bend this stuff, it doesn't spring back, it stays exactly as you shape it

[@MrTalaue]

+MrTalaue it rather looks like RG405, semi rigid is with solid copper tube as outer connector

[@nwimpney]

+MrTalaue I don't know if it's "semi rigid" by whatever definition you're using, but if you look up the specs on Belden 1673A (RG402) and 1671A (RG405) they are pretty much identical other than the gauge of the conductor. They have a 100% copper foil shield covered with a tin-filled composite braid (The way it's tinned, it's not really a "braid" anymore. you can't unravel it even if you try) To me, the cable in his video looks like it has a 19Ga conductor, not a 24Ga, which suggests that it's RG402. Maybe there's a "semi-rigid" RG402 which is a different thing, but this stuff is fairly stiff, and keeps the shape you bend it to without springing back.

[@MrTalaue]

+nwimpney I use both types of cable, semi rigid as well as the braided type of cable as on the video. Semi rigid cables are those with solid copper tubing shield. upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/Semi_rigid.jpg

[@nwimpney]

Cool. Yes, looking into it a bit further, it appears there's different varieties of RG402 and RG405. They're available in "semi-flexible" versions which are rated to have the same performance as the copper tubing shield, but are also more bendable. Either way, the stuff he's using here (I bought similar, listed as "semi rigid RG402" on ebay) is great for making RC antennas. Unlike the standard braided RG-316, this stuff will hold its shape quite well so your antenna doesn't bobble around or flop over when you're flying, but can still bend out of the way in a crash. Also, the fairly thick centre conductor is a bit more sturdy and easier to solder to for making cloverleaf antennas.

[@krisraps]

First Tiem I tried To Solder The SMA , It Was Aluminium Coaxial Shield.

[@nilshv]

What is the range difference on the DIY one VS professional (like fatshark, immersionRC) one?

[@jiesun1241]

Very Useful

[@dingxuanseow8303]

Hey man.. hope u can do the review on which mini quad's frame is the best soon as i am planning to get a frame and would like to heed ur advise before buying so that i will not regret in future.. haha thanks man!

[@KeithStrang]

Easy as beans!

[@bulthy1958]

Brilliant

[@lewisdobson8905]

I was just watching your video on comparing fpv goggle and I was wondering on the skyzone ones could I have 2 fatshark receivers for better reception?

[@scootermagavin12]

I made a cloverleaf antenna after watching this video. When I screw and tighten it to my vtx the antenna still rotates. I was expecting it to be stationary, is this correct or did I do something wrong?

[@modex20]

Did he pre tin the side hole of the pin off camera and not mention it? There's a big glob of solder over the hole when he goes in to solder it.

[@epikFpv]

Does the carbon fiber frame affect signal if i bolt in the extend sma connector for my antenna?

[@markjennings2315]

The frame will be a continuation of the ground plane. which will improve Tx/Rx.

[@RacingGeorge]

Hey bruce, i have a spironet antenna and the pin is missing in the RG402 connector so i bought a new connector.. now the problem is that it appears to be a crimp connector, should i just cut this off and start over? I dont really want to shorten the antenna so is there another way to get these off?

[@jjssbailey]

Two thumbs up!

[@czarzenana5125]

The RP-SMA is also a male, although it looks like a female. That's what makes it very confusing, especially when ordering online.

[@thesherm44]

Bruce, did you contact ebay about only getting one bag? if the transaction was recent (within 30 days) you can open a dispute and most likely get your money back.

[@KillerXtreme]

What are those connectors specifically called? I keep finding plenty of crimp connectors, but not the solder ones.

[@bondebos3478]

Thank you!

[@Soldier1287]

what if you solder the antenna straight on to the pcb without rpsma connector? will it work? I'm thinking of modding the antennas on some small fpv cams by adding these type of antennas. do they NEED the connector to work? if so, could I solder the connector to the pcb because I've seen rpsma connectors soldered to the pcb

[@hotcarp12]

Did you make this video twice, first time forgetting to put the heat shrink on? Be honest now! ;)

[@Mosfet510]

Matthew Adams I have done that. It is very annoying once your look at the connection and are all proud of your nice shiny solder joint and then....#&!^#&#&!!!!! The heat shrink or crimping sleeve isn't on lol

[@JMathieson]

@@Mosfet510 You're not alone

[@runemauland9821]

Hey Bruce. How many hands do you have? 6:45 in video :)

[@alimahdilaftaal-ziayree5819]

Nice video. Tnx

[@rodyoung276]

Two bags of ten in one order is not recommended. Have you tried three or four bags of ten in one order?

[@saaokilleroffical]

hey could u kindly do a video on how to solder an rpsma bulkhead connector on to a rc 5.8 ghz wire

[@mmmmbradbury]

Do you have a video on how to solder two RG316 pigtails together? I have a VTX that the Sam connector broke off. I wanted to cut the broken one off and solder two RG316 pigtails together

[@die_hertz]

Don't think that's a good idea, you will have big problems extending the shielding and keeping the resulting joint from breaking. Better solder a SMA male and female adapters and connect the cables.

[@BenPortmanlewes]

Hi Bruce, not on topic but need some advice, I've got a 9XR transmitter, and I had an orange 615x RX, and an orange module in the Tx kicking about so for a new quad I've used this equipment. I'm not confident in this set up, and I've had one very precious self built quad, fully loaded fly off, I've not found it yet. Can you recommend a set up that will give me a failsafe and the range I need, I don't fly usually more than 200m away, I've been looking at the frsky range of tx modules and rx dual stuff, but I'm abit lost. Can't afford to waste money!! please help, telemetry is something I'd spend the extra dosh on, but how does it all hook up? Cheers Bruce! Almost forgot, it needs to be CPPM, as I'm loving the afromini32, or whatever it's called, the small naze32, it's mental for such a small light board!

[@jase171973]

unless you have GPS (naza, APM, multiWii) on board, a radio failsafe will just make it fly off. your are better off with it just dropping than going off under power...

[@BenPortmanlewes]

Yeah, I thought failsafe on the orange 615x RX was set at binding, ie, I'd had it at no throttle,no input, so it should have dropped from 6", you live and you learn.

[@BenPortmanlewes]

Thanks for the help Bruce BTW.

[@paulabbamonto7550]

Did you do the crimp method?

[@GranVlog]

Can someone link me the sma bag? i can only find the cable. PLZ

[@bwanaPele]

What is the correct size heat shrink to buy for rg402 coax?

[@dhesatya]

thanks brother

[@zeezeefpv6728]

cheers bruce need to make a extension to save my vtx

[@RoiratNews]

Interesting note, you can apply graphite to the outside of the pin and presto solder won't stick. don't have graphite? Well then go buy a #2 pencil.

[@694costa1]

Muito bom trabalho!!

[@MrHandsomejackuk]

Hi, is this Coax ok for 2.4ghz antennas ?

[@ankur1888]

Please make a video for connecting RP-SMA on RG402 cable Thanks

[@byroboy]

Hey Bruce, Those are nicer connectors than mine. Is there a specific keyword I can use when searching for them?

[@byroboy]

Answering my own question but if you search for "sma male connector RG402" without the quotes you should find some for ~$6USD for 10.

[@pacpaul1235]

Byro Thank you

[@lf5133]

Is it possible to repair UFL connectors

[@ricardoiarossi]

Bruce, would you please teach us how to make the entire antenna? thank you so much!

[@th3t1ck94]

Great Vid. You are hilarious.

[@mickgatz214]

Awesome VIDEO!!!! can u do a video with a female sma connection? :) I ask this because i want to make custom uhf antennas for hand held radio, so i hope you can assist me with this. cheers! Mick

[@bulwinkle]

I offer soldering as evidence of extra-terrestrial intelligence. No being with only two manipulators would develop a process that needs three. Since there has never been, as far as I know, a sentient species on this planet with tree manipulative organs, therefore the source of soldering must be other than an Earthbound organism.

[@perrogaruao]

small comment: when you solder that thing, you SHOULD not move the connector while the solder is still liquid over the surface of the braid. You should let that get solid before rotate the connector. I dont think you use 63/37 alloy that has an almost zero pasty state. A regular 60/40 alloy would have some cold spots when moving while it is cooling down, an undesirable situation. Not too much heat either ...

[@nwimpney]

+perrogaruao He's using eutectic 63/37 You can see it on his backpack PCB video.

[@perrogaruao]

ohhh ok didn't see that ,,,, great

[@lookeflite]

Please tell me which mini quad is the best!! All I need is an answer!!

[@SonicOrbStudios]

There is no "best". it's more a personal choice and what you will enjoy flying over anyone else. Honestly, don't go too cheap, but don't go most expensive either. Frames that are cheap break and don't build well. Expensive quads are nice, but they cost money! I like the GetFPV 250 class units, very nice. Lastly tip: Try a few out if you can, then buy :)

[@lookeflite]

What's your favorite? No one around me have any quads so I have no chance trying it out.

[@SonicOrbStudios]

Roger .J I personally did a custom build however if I were to buy one kit these days, I'd go with the carbon frame QAV250 from GetFPV

[@lookeflite]

***** Can you tell me why and will you get the carbon fiber version or fiberglass version?

[@SonicOrbStudios]

Roger .J I general, ligher weight, better for acro flying, more flight time too, but overall, the two frames sold by the company are not at all bad.

[@AntonioRodriguez-if4lv]

Do yourself a favor and get a Light Capacity Tweezer-Style Resistance Soldering System. I do this for a living. Way better results.