Pl-259 Solder On Installation Guide for LMR-400 Coaxial Cable Full HD

This is an easy to follow installation guide for installing a Pl-259 coaxial connector (made by Max-Gain Systems, Inc. @ mgs4u.com) on to LMR-400 coaxial cable. This easy to follow installation of a Pl-259 connector on to LMR-400 cable clearly states every step of the process with HD quality available. The PL-259 used in the video was supplied by Max-Gain Systems, Inc. who also sells an ever expanding line of RF connectors and adapters. Be sure to check out our PL-259 connector page at www.mgs4u.com/PL-259-connectors.htm and our main connector and adapter page at www.mgs4u.com/RF-adapters.htm for any combination imaginable. This video can be used with any PL-259 connector available. This video was designed to show just how easy it is to install a PL-259 connector on to RG8X. The reducer used in the video is a UG-176 silver plated reducer. The PL-259 used in the video is made out of machined solid brass with heavy silver plating, Teflon dielectric (insulator), and silver center pin.

[@marcusamos7254]

Thanks good refresher haven’t soldered for 25years 👍

[@RelentlessHomesteading]

Short and sweet - heading out right now to do a few connectors RF400 to PL259 - its been awhile and I forget. Finally getting an HF Antenna up. Thankyou for the video 😄😄😄😄😄😄

[@andykrew336]

I don't often dislike a youtube video, but in this case people need to know that LMR-400 was designed to only be used with crimped connectors. The foam PE dielectric has too low a melting temperature to survive a proper solder process. Crimped connectors are far more consistent between connectors vs solder/clamp connectors, for a variety of reasons. Crimping has been method in use by commercial and cellular industries for decades. The tools are not expensive anymore, and a solid investment for anyone who plans on making more than one cable!

[@brizzle8797]

Yes I know this comment I'm replying to is a year old. Good to address things for whoever reads them in the future. As far as lmr 400 not being designed to be soldered, I don't believe that's quite right. The product sheet from times microwave lists atleast 15 types of connectors that it describes as center pin solder. Is crimping easier - yes! Can it be messed up as well - of course! down side is that you can't do it over. You just burned 10 bucks. Its also how I put my N connectors on so I'm plenty familiar. I think the important thing is proper installation/ craftsmanship. Maybe flux would help keep the temp more manageable?

[@andykrew336]

@@brizzle8797 I should have been more clear in that initial statement. The shield was never designed to be soldered. Center pin can go either way.

[@brizzle8797]

Yes that makes sense. It is so interesting when you start to dig into manf specs! Amphenol which seems to be the gold standard recommends soldering the braid and center conductor on a pl 259...BUT does not list lmr 400 as a compatible cable! Instead they have separate pl compatible connectors specifically for lmr that have solder center conductor and a crimp braid. Might have to start using those as i already have the prep and crimp tools for lmr N connectors. The more you know!

[@mschmelzer]

great video. thanks for posting and leaving out the background music.

[@817Teamsters]

Thank you so much, for this video. Today I used your video, to complete my built, the correct way. Very informative, liked that you didn't rush through it.

[@statesideqsod]

Great Video. Thanks to you I used my smaller Ungar iron and was able to solder the round holes with ease.

[@2007Roush]

Excellent video. Precise and to the point. The measuring of the cuts and how much cable to cut off most helpful. Keep up the great videos. 73

[@wyattclewis8270]

Shi that Sucked so bad bro but thanks for the video I finally got through it😂

[@BPMelectrical]

Great video - right to the point.

[@davidbyrd5065]

Lmr400 is great cable just a little bit hard to work with. Good video David Byrd KN4BHS

[@Mike-01234]

Nice video I love LMR-400 replaced all my old RG-8 stuff with it much better coax.

[@wallychambe1587]

What wattage iron did you use??

[@modex20]

How to turn your coax inner dielectric into goo.

[@marcosyreme]

Ótima aula ,good teacher .

[@mindblast3901]

Nice Thanks

[@kjl13]

That temperature did you use on your iron? I melted my dielectric.

[@modex20]

I've seen other videos where they fold the braid back before sliding the connector over it. is that another way of doing it, or is that incorrect?

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

Those videos more than likely are using thinner cable like RG8 and it's easier to slide the connector over the folded back braiding on that thinner cable than it is on LMR400 or similar.

[@blank4073]

You didn't point out that the braid needs to be visible and near the surface of the holes so that you are soldering the outer connector to the braid. Just filling the holes with solder accomplishes nothing if the braid isn't soldered, and much of the time that braid will just fold up behind the holes to where you can't even solder it. Just fold the braid under the connector threads, trim off excess, and seal it with silicone or coax tape when done / installing, no need to waste time frustrating yourself trying to solder the braid. I would have like to have seen a close up because I doubt that any of the braid even got soldered.

[@jtrehern]

This is my issue. I can't get the braid to solder. It just falls rolls off like water. So, you are saying that I don't need to solder the braid?

[@andykrew336]

@@jtrehern LMR-400 is designed for crimped connectors. Contrary to amateur radio popular belief, crimp connectors are superior and yield far more consistent results vs clamp/solder.

[@arconeagain]

The only good advice in this video is to turn a battery operated device off when not in use. Goes without saying, and has nothing to do with the video title.

[@arconeagain]

These connectors were great in the second world war. Moving on.

[@mr.stonerUDX714]

and they are still great to use today in 2021!!!!!!

[@arconeagain]

@@mr.stonerUDX714 yes they're fine at HF, however you have to understand that most operators install them poorly or completely wrong. Often the dielectric is heat damaged and or the shield doesn't take when they think it has. Or they use the wrong coax, foam dielectric is a no, no (LMR400 is designed to be crimp only). Crimp or compression is the only way to go, these videos only help to perpetuate poor practices.

[@mr.stonerUDX714]

@@arconeagain maybe YOU dont know how to solder them but MOST PEOPLE DO!!!!

[@arconeagain]

@@mr.stonerUDX714 the demonstration was with LMR400. I'm sure some could do it, like myself, I have the experience. But most retarded hams couldn't, they can't even solder a microphone plug.

[@mr.stonerUDX714]

@@arconeagain and people like you say shouldnt be ham operators people that cant must be Biden luvers!!!!

[@morejelloplease]

throw that meter in the trash lol

[@joboring8397]

Why?

[@morejelloplease]

@@joboring8397 calibration is way off, they fail, there's a reason why they are $10 at harbor freight

[@joboring8397]

@@morejelloplease No

[@michaelwatts8476]

Why talk so fast?

[@javierpolendok5mhc]

I would test for continuity before soldering but great video and we use this video for instructional purposes at our club W5ES. 73 de K5mhc