How to solder SMA Connectors to Semi Rigid Coax my method

How to solder SMA Connectors to Semi Rigid Coax (my method)
In this video I take you through the method that I use to solder SMA connectors to semi rigid coax.
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[@user-yx7ds7wy8g]

Thank you! This has been a great help. The older I get, the smaller components become --- And I'm just dreading some sort of "singularity" at some point in the near future.

[@rcinfla9017]

RG402 semi-ridge has Teflon center dielectric. Teflon doesn't melt at soldering temps but the temp expansion coefficient of Teflon is very large. If you want to get a feel for the expansion, prep the end as shown without putting on the SMA connect. Heat the shield for a while near the end and watch the Teflon expand out from underneath the coax shield and shortening the exposed part of the center conductor. What happens if you overheat the coax while soldering the SMA connector, the coax insulation will expand and push up against the front wall inside the SMA connector ejecting the shield outward slightly. This results in the center conductor without its coax shield that can add a few nH's of series inductance at the SMA center conductor which is not good for high frequency performance. Use the right soldering tip and temp for the job. Get in and get out within a few seconds with the soldering to avoid excessive heating of the coax and expansion of the coax Teflon dielectric core.

[@cmuller1441]

When you insert the core (cold) inside the hot pin you may create a bad join. You should keep the iron on the pin during a few seconds after insertion to heat the core a bit too (but not too long or you'll melt the dielectric).

[@voltlog]

The rapid cooling of the solder joint by dipping in water is definitely bad..

[@TicTac-g7m]

VoltLog True, very true.

[@pabloascencio7397]

Best way to get a cold joint

[@TicTac-g7m]

Ideally, the parts to be soldered should be raised to a sufficient temp. to melt the solder and flow in-between. The soldering iron should be used that way... not melting solder on the soldering iron and applying to a cold joint. Tinning the iron and parts are fine, but remember that for a good solder joint the joint itself MUST melt the solder.

[@modex20]

eric h. Look up "paceworldwide cup terminals"

[@garethblades4889]

There are far easier ways to solder these. Drop a small bit of 0.6mm solder inside the pin and then heat up while gently pushing the wire in. The flux will help to create a good joint. Putting in solder first and then the wire will cause no flux to be applied to the wire and could result in a poor joint. For the outer conductor apply a little bit of flux before inserting and then hear up the SMA connector with a soldering iron and run the solder round the top of the point when it is hot enough. You'll end up with a very clean looking solder joint and the solder wicked down inside the SMA causing a very strong connection.

[@barryhearn1678]

I think a thin tin on the sheathing followed by heating and physically pushing the cable into the connector as the solder starts to flow is better to get solder inside the barrel. and then add more solder by wicking through the hole and the where the sheathing meets the connector. the water cooling seems a bad idea to me. I was told you're not even meant to blow on a solder joint to cool it as it can cause a dry joint.

[@nathanhaltman7235]

RA flux will help flowing the solder.

[@glaura1581]

Thanks for a wonderful detailed video, certainly it is helpful for me. In addition, Compared to SMB connectors, SMA connectors may be wide range.and if somebody wants to try connectors from CHina, i think elecbee is a nice choice.thanks.

[@lisaferreira5156]

If you would have used flux (RMA is best) you would not have had to do that extra step of reheating with the torch. Using even a small torch you are likely melting the dielectric and risking a short.

[@Durtmang]

I feel like a drop or 2 of flux would make all the steps after initially soldering it redundant.

[@brucehaynes505]

Very informative video, use a similar method since I only use an Antex 25W iron. Been using these solder on connectors for RG405 and find very easy to assemble.

[@qamarkilani551]

Thanks Andrew for your great videos

[@HugDeeznueces]

I gave you a thumbs up. Question about the braid? I soldered RG174 to SMA connectors and did the same soldering in order to ensure there was a good ground. After that, I used some shrink tubing to make it look good. I noticed that you did not peel back the braid on that coax. By the way, what coax is that you are using on the video? Are you not required to expose the braid so you can make a ground?

[@harryrigo2130]

What if we don't have the same type of cable? Say I'm recycling some from a old router or other equipment. Would a crimp on connector be better? I worry the cheaper cable may melt under the torch.

[@usamakhan6843]

why this cable does not burned should we attach sheilding to it

[@user-3F3G]

Thank you Andrew

[@cohental2000]

Test with VNA, probably not high freq. and lossy

[@boaty87d]

Any chance you could do a tutorial of putting SMA connectors onto RG58 please?

[@HuguesD]

nice. what RG cable reverence is that and where can you buy it in Europe?

[@andrewmcneil]

+Hugues D goo.gl/C4kSxK I have been ordering from them for the past 18 months and so far they have never let me down.

[@scarman5367]

The torch seems like it would severely damage the dielectric...

[@F59465swl]

not without risk, as dielectric PTFE Teflon.

[@candyyapoiteng1006]

is the outer braid connected to the outer copper?

[@miachan3036]

hey Andrew I'm a subscriber..can you tell me will it work on a ir remote control....and how many Volts it needs to reach 5 ghz..please reply

[@RohitKumarBatra]

Which solder did you use?

[@evgenyfavorsky422]

yeah-yeah-yeah, why the hell shoud I use flux or clean soder tip before heating pin, when I can use knife? Nuff said...

[@frequentguest3051]

good job, dude )))

[@GrayMagellan]

It's very ugly technology. You violate the manufacturer's technology. So result is very unstable and unpredictable. Water in central pin? How do you plan to dry inner parts of connectors? Brrr...

[@rafaolek1640]

Cyna to nie piasek. Tego się nie nosi

[@skypilot23]

Very wonky techniques