How to install a PL259 on LMR400 coax, perfectly.

Buddy of mine wanted to know how I did my PL259’s, so made a video primarily to show him, but thought I would share this with others. Hope it can help some. Note, I meant to say RG8 size coax, many PL259's are made with the larger center conductor pin to accept either RG8 or LMR400. Also, using the razor blade is just how I choose to cut the jacket and braid. The real trick I have learned is to lightly tin the braid before cutting it back, which may make it difficult to cut using a standard tool. Once done, the braid is soldered completely around the connector with no damage to the jacket or center dielectric.

[@hemphead5839]

Finally a person that knows how to put pl259 connectors on correctly I don't know why these guys on these other videos keep cutting the braids off they need to stay intact so when you solder the holes it is grounded properly plus it keeps the connector held on tightly

[@ChristiannTyler]

So you’re not supposed to separate the braid and bend it back like I see on so many other videos then trim off the excess?

[@damonkj7e]

The braid will not come out nearly as clean if you do it that way. Its not how I prefer to do it, but it works for many.

[@fubarsnafu4994]

I was anticipating a hack n slash video but i agree 100% only way to do it. ntm That is never coming off. Keeps the H2o out also ✌

[@skypiratesrcclub6436]

Very nice video. I hate installing PL259 connectors on RG-8 / LMR400. I'm happy to see that it is a chore for you as well. I have learned two tips... A small butane pencil torch works nicely for soldering the braid to the connector. It heats faster than an iron, which means less time for the dielectric to heat. And a tiny bit of silicone grease on the outer jacket helps the connector screw on easier.

[@elliottdmann]

I was having a lot of trouble getting the connector onto the end of my LMR 400 until I tried this method. It worked!

[@ElPasoTubeAmps]

I have posted videos on how to put on the PL-259 by not soldering but I have to admit, I do like soldered on connectors and in the last couple of days have been updating some of my coax and connectors. The non-soldered connections work fine and I tend to use them outside for repair when running an extension cord, etc. and soldering is difficult. I really like the way you dress the end of the coax and screw the PL-259 on - I did that on the connectors, as you show in the video, and soldered thru the holes and I really like it. In the past, if I soldered thru the holes, I just let the outer cover of the coax go in maybe 1/4 inch at the most but your method is superior by screwing the connector on more like 1/2 inch. Thanks for posting. BTW - I use a 325 watt Weller soldering gun to solder. I believe in getting it hot and soldering it quickly and then give it plenty of time to cool so the dielectric doesn't deform. I am also a big fan of the Times Microwave brand of LMR-400-DB. Excellent video. 73 WA4QGA

[@fubarsnafu4994]

Only time I ever twist them on without soldering is when its temporary or receive only. SDR and R7000 get moved around so much I just don't bother but on a rig with wattage. Solder and tested every time. Only takes one angle hair and a second of miss guided attention to let the magic smoke out.. ✌

[@stefanovessicchio1502]

Best video for the solder in PL259 coax with FOAM dielettric!! Many Thanks!!

[@damonkj7e]

Only way I found to get it to solder properly without damaging the dielectric.

[@stefanovessicchio1502]

@@damonkj7e It's fantastic!! 👍👍

[@radiotests]

​@damonkj7e Your work was mil-spec to the degree we do in the USN. GREAT WORK!

[@Frank_K4FMH]

Nice job. I had not thought of the isp alcohol as a coolant.

[@damonkj7e]

Also, you put some IPA on the jacket and in the connector body threads you can twist the connector on the jacket by hand.

[@WB8ERJ]

Great video! There are so many on here that don't solder the shield. As far as I am concerned not soldering the shield is asking for trouble later on. I also like your use of alcohol to quickly cool down the connector. Well done!

[@fubarsnafu4994]

My tip keeps melting? _ Just kidding great video and excellent technique. Hats off. Bout time some one on KZbin did it right ! 73 and happy DX to you.

[@FD347]

Good video. The only step I would add is before you solder the connector, make sure the center and shield aren't shorted. A stray piece of braid can ruin a good solder job.

[@damonkj7e]

Yes, at 9 min mark, I show how important making sure the braid is trimmed and cleaned around the center dielectric.

[@CarlDamm]

this is the best video I have scene on pl259s. thankyou

[@rayhill7613]

Great job nice and clean without overheating. Threading the connector on is a PITA. Last night my son was watching me put a connector on piece of RG8 made a good suggestion to put a light coat on silicone on outer casing of the cable to lube the threads. It made the connector screw right on and most likely more water resistant as well. Great video.

[@damonkj7e]

The silicon lube is a nice tip!

[@N9IWJ]

I would just add I use an ohmmeter to check the cable before I even start see if there's a short, then after you screw the connector on check it again for a short before you solder I keep a little air tank handy to blow some air on the connector if it gets too hot while soldering Or in case the center conductor gets too hot while soldering After you've cut off your outer braid use the ohm meter again to check for a short I have probably done hundreds One little hair off that breed touches the center conductor now I use soldered everything up where you have to start from scratch connectors cost four times more now, then they used to Excellent video thank you

[@damonkj7e]

I need to do an updated video, I've incorporated two new tricks that speeds up the install. I have a small pipe cutter I use to cut the tinned braided shield and using some IPA as lubricant between the connector body and the black jacket which eases twisting on the connector greatly. I could also condense the video down to 5-8 min. The IPA evaporates quickly with the heat and does a wonderful job quickly cooling the connector and coax innards to prevent any melting. I still solder one point at a time and then cool everything down. Your idea of checking for a short before hand is not bad, but I cant think of the last time I had a bad install, would have to go back 30 years and maybe 200+ connectors ago.

[@HollywoodNNJ]

you forgot heat shrinkk!!! hahah thanks for the great video, thats the best way to do it.... gotta keep it cool!

[@damonkj7e]

This one is an indoor jumper, I do use heat shrink on the outdoor cables :)

[@deanberglund2332]

I do like the way you do these PL-259s. May I make two suggestions? First, I like to use a small copper tube cutter to remove the center conductor dielectric after tinning. 2nd, I like to drill out the holes with a slightly larger drill, this allows me to get the soldering iron tip into good contact with the braid and shell at the same time. I like the fact you are using a good higher wattage iron. I use a 50 watt but with a larger tip than you are using. Good video!

[@damonkj7e]

The pipe cutter is a great idea, but I have never had a problem with the size of the holes.

[@barndweller4573]

I guess I am just lucks. I have NEVER soldered the braded on a PL connector and I have been an Amateur for over 43 years. I use the connector to hold the braded against the connector in the threads. That way its east to reuse the connectors. Have done it with everything up to UHF in fact I need to learn how to put the N Connectors for the satellite antennas I just ordered. Very nice video and I am sure this causes a little less loss. I remember last month my friend and I just finished my DX Commander for the barn and it took me like 5 min to put on each connector. Work just fine.

[@damonkj7e]

Almost anything can be made to work, just how well is the question. If it works for you and your happy with it, that's all that matters.

[@davemcauliffe5387]

The reason I ask about the solder, had so much to fill thought of using plumbers solder, but went back to my electric solder

[@paulshank7764]

Very nice thanks for sharing, love the puppy :)

[@boxingday11]

Nicely done 👍🇬🇧

[@rvarnum]

Very nice! That's pretty much how I've been doing it since I was a kid. Try not let solder wick down the outside of the tip, leaving shiny silver to make the connection instead of a layer of solder. I appreciate your conservative use of solder.

[@damonkj7e]

You don't need much, just enough to flow nicely is all.

[@teste1177]

Em 14:27 min, não precisa recriar tanto e nem tacar algo úmido ou molhado em cima... Pode soldar, 1 furo atrás do outro do conector, sem medo... Já aproveitando a caloria... Sem perder tempo, faço aqui sem danificar o cabo !!! Fica perfeito... E não corre o risco de pegar umidade dentro do conector e por fim, querer começar a oxidação na parte interna !!! Mas deixo meus PARABÉNS 👏😎 Cabo com conector perfeito e bem soldado... Depois é passar no MULTÍMETRO, escala de continuidade e já era KKK é correr para o abraço e fazer bons contatos (QSOs/DX). TKS and 73 for ALL, of Alfa and Zulu.🇧🇷🤙😁Fica com Deus 🙏😉

[@nazairetetreault2664]

thanks for the knowledge

[@brucewebber6983]

Nice Job

[@CarlDamm]

Have you done a video of installing a PL 259 to smaller cable like RG59. We do these in the field, usually up a mast. I would love to see how you handle the adapter.

[@damonkj7e]

Yes, I pre-tin the sleeve, then fold back the braid on the sleeve, and tac the braid to the sleeve, then insert the sleeve with to the PL259 and solder the braid and sleeve thought the holes, it comes out the same, but you have to cool the connector between soldering each hole and only use just enough solder.

[@CarlDamm]

@@damonkj7e Thanks, that's what I was thinking, You explain it very concisely.

[@atacke3736]

So the water in the alcohol doesn't get sucked inside? Like everything else. Just curious. Tnx

[@damonkj7e]

No, its not an issue. It all evaporates quite well.

[@echo-hotel]

@@damonkj7e What percentage do you use? My 99 and “99.9” catches fire pretty easy. It’s also expensive.

[@damonkj7e]

@@echo-hotel I use 91% most of the time.

[@ChristiannTyler]

I’m a little intimidated to attempt this for the first time. I finally have a high powered radio combination so I purchased the lmr400 coax but afraid to do this wrong and hurt my equipment.

[@damonkj7e]

Only one way to learn. I ruined or messed up many connectors before I got good at it. It takes time and practice. Take your time and if you do it like in this, or other videos, you will get there.

[@ChristiannTyler]

@@damonkj7e thanks I actually went for it I just didn’t solder the braid I watched another video where he only soldered the tip and so far so good..

[@radiotests]

​@@ChristiannTyler Thats an option but not for full power use. Its creating a capacitive junction to the inner braid. Great time saver for barefoot power.

[@johnnywood8082]

Get yourself a little vise to hold the cable and connector while you solder.

[@damonkj7e]

I have some, but I just prefer using my hands, old habits.

[@johnnywood8082]

@@damonkj7e I hear ya but it just seems so cumbersome and It will probably make it a lot easier.

[@phillipstracner7909]

I got climb my tower. I'm getting back on the radio. I scared of heights but I'm going to beat it.

[@timbacchus]

And always have the Ham Dog there to help. I put a drop of 3-1 oil on the jacket to screw it on.

[@wbrown310]

Don’t nick the center conductor with the blade.

[@davemcauliffe5387]

You use electric or plumbing solder?

[@damonkj7e]

Standard Kester 60/40 rosin core solder (electronics).

[@certman1234]

there are tools that will cut and remove shielding all at once and leave you the right amount to solder and secure...saw no razor knife-just a bare unsafe blade

[@damonkj7e]

Just how I have been doing it since I was about 9 years old. Always works for me :)

[@flitemedic55]

always a "that guy" lol@@damonkj7e

[@timothypolhamus4515]

What wattage iron are you using?

[@damonkj7e]

Thats an 85w pencil I used.

[@nazairetetreault2664]

They make a tool that helps yu screw it on

[@damonkj7e]

A few drops of IPA in the screws of the body helps tremendously as well. You can twist it on by hand with out fuss.

[@terryburge6763]

Unfortunately you are just pointing out how hard it is to get this Amphenol connector on. And if you don't get that shield solidly connected I have seen issues like SWR's fine on all bands except 10 meters. It can cause some weird issues not getting the PL-259 on right. Terry

[@damonkj7e]

Not so much difficult, just time consuming to do it right.

[@teste1177]

6:21min HELLO OF DOG KKK

[@kevinwhitted2147]

It's funny how you turned a 5-minute job into a 25-minute job

[@damonkj7e]

It takes longer when your trying to demonstrate it, but I would be highly skeptical of any soldered PL259 installed in 5 min. Its funny you think you can.

[@radiotests]

​@damonkj7e agreed, just another internet-based keyboard warrior shooting off his erroneous opinion based on an infinite lack of knowledge in electronics for RF. Your work was mil-spec to the degree we do in the USN. GREAT WORK

[@flitemedic55]

just another " that guy"...they walk among us lo,l@@radiotests

[@teste1177]

FALTOU 1 SOLDADOR BEM MAIS POTENTE... FACILITARIA O SERVIÇO KKK 👍😎

[@JohnUsp]

Alcohol addicted.

[@nazairetetreault2664]

Dxengineering. TOOL - DXE-UT-80P

[@damonkj7e]

If you have one.

[@radiotests]

An overpriced tool that saves nothing in time when a skilled use of a craft blade or razor or as I often use just a scalpel.