How to Install a PL259 Marine Antenna Connector

The most difficult part of a marine antenna installation may be attaching the PL-259 connector. This Shakespeare video explains how to do it in three different ways: no-solder compression, the traditional solder method, and the Centerpin® easy way.

[@benwaofwa]

Thanks for the video, since the soldering is the technical step it would be nice to see it demonstrated.

[@macgyver5108]

A couple _HUGE_ soldering tips to make things easier! 1st and _most_ important is to use some liquid electronics flux like Kester brand liquid flux on both the connector holes and a little on the soldering iron tip too so you'll have a much faster heat conduction through the liquid and you don't end up MELTING the plastic dielectric insulation inside the coax! The flux also cleans any oxides off the connections so the solder bond is stronger too! 2nd, use LEADED electronics solder like 63-37 (which sets faster) or 60/40 lead tin solder, not that "junk" silver solder because it doesn't _BOND_ well at all for electrical connections!

[@MaoNoUse]

I'm glad Cheech was there to introduce Chris!!!

[@GoGreenMan]

Good video. As the last guy said you probably should have show the soldering part. Also I think the real name of the strain relief part is a doodad. I think I saw that printed/molded on one one time.

[@bonniereed4351]

The video was very clear and helpful for installing a new VHF connector! Thank you.

[@joecurrent7639]

did not show the soldering process ???????????????

[@LydieBaillie]

Yeah, bummer lol

[@harrisleck3960]

You are using a very cheap phenolic connector. In the soldering section, I don't believe you can get a decent solder connector to the shell of the PL-259 with that little soldering iron. Suggest you use silver teflon connectors and crimp them. Then install heat shrink tubing over the entire connection (to the radio and the antenna) to really make it waterproof. Could also use a 'flooded' cable is you are willing to spend the extra money. Of the two options shown, what looks like a brass push on connector may be more reliable. What data (failure rate) do you have on this option?

[@jimshacklette2450]

This demostration explains building the connection to the back of the VHF receiver. What I need help with is building the connection to the 5240-R antenna. What holds the antenna in place on the bottom of the antenna? I have a rail mount that the cablew passes through to the antenna. Please help! Thanks

[@MrKurtMelnechuk]

Extremely helpful! Thanks so much!

[@TaylanYalniz]

very helpful

[@TheCptnBlackie]

great video guys, thanks :)

[@Thanks4Grace]

you forgot the o-rings. they matter.

[@Dan-uv3vf]

The Solderless connector is garbage. Use the standard solder type connector. Love Shakespeare antennas. But that one connector isn't good. Learn to solder its not hard. Long time Shakespeare consumer.

[@NaturesChild]

Donald Sutherland look alike.

[@michellamer8040]

Besoin d un expert pour reparer

[@michellamer8040]

Besoin reparation mh 120 radio vhf marine aux Quebec

[@petepeterpeoplesinternetradio]

only 2 this end