Details wanted: Correct way to solder PL259 to coax / LMR400

[o2much4me]

Hi All,
I have never soldered my own connectors ( PL 259 ) to any coax. Can anyone post the proper way to attach & solder the PL 259 connectors to the coax ends ( I am using LMR 400) Pictures would be great too. Also please include which soldering iron, solder & flux would be best to use.
THANKS For your Input

[TwentyTwo-Zero]

There is what I would consider good info about soldering connectors to coax here:

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Even though the example is using 9913, it's the same procedure for LMR-400...

[o2much4me]

thanks TwentyTwo-Zero
The pics are very helpful, Thanks, but I still want to know about the soldering iron, solder & flux, off to a running start though.

[TwentyTwo-Zero]

I use a dual watt 150/230 gun in the 150 position to solder mine. The "trick" is to heat the connector quickly so you establish a good bond without melting the inner shield of the coax. I would use at least a 100 watt gun at minimum. 60/40 clear flux solder does a good job, but I prefer the silver bearing solder due to it's better conductivity and bonding ability. That's just personal preference though - either will work just fine. Hope this helps...

EDIT: Forgot something...

After you have the end of the coax prepared do a test fit of the connector. Using a felt tip marker, make a couple of marks through the holes in the body of the connector where you will make your solder connection. Then remove the connector from the coax and tin the shield (where your marks are) and the end of the center conductor. Reinstall the connector and solder. Tinning the shield and center conductor will help get a better/quicker bond...

[missouri 69]

that last suggestion , about marking the sheild is an excellent one...
I use rosin core solder ...never use acid core for any electronic work
later
sam
missouri 69

[o2much4me]

:D Thanks . A little research can prevent problems. I love this forum. I think with only a little practice ( hopefully not messing up more than one PL 259 I should be able to solder a couple ends on my new coax as good as someone I would pay. I have too much time huh

[TwentyTwo-Zero]

A couple other things I do that may/may not be considered overkill...

I use a piece of shrink tube that is large enough to slide up over the base of the connector. After I solder the connector, I apply a thin coat of vaseline on the collar where the shield solders are, then slide the shrink tube up over it so it butts up against the threaded shoulder above the holes and seal it with heat from a hair dryer. This gives you a more or less air tight seal and will prolong corrosion. On connectors that are outside and exposed to the weather: After you secure your connector to the antenna, wrap it with some electrical tape, then a layer of coax seal and finally with another layer of electrical tape. This will help to prevent moisture/rain from getting into your coax and causing you grief...

[TwentyTwo-Zero]

A couple other things I do that may/may not be considered overkill...

I use a piece of shrink tube that is large enough to slide up over the base of the connector. After I solder the connector, I apply a thin coat of vaseline on the collar where the shield solders are, then slide the shrink tube up over it so it butts up against the threaded shoulder above the holes and seal it with heat from a hair dryer. This gives you a more or less air tight seal and will prolong corrosion. On connectors that are outside and exposed to the weather: After you secure your connector to the antenna, wrap it with some electrical tape, then a layer of coax seal and finally with another layer of electrical tape. This will help to prevent moisture/rain from getting into your coax and causing you grief...

[o2much4me]

A couple other things I do that may/may not be considered overkill...

I use a piece of shrink tube that is large enough to slide up over the base of the connector. After I solder the connector, I apply a thin coat of Vaseline on the collar where the shield solders are, then slide the shrink tube up over it so it butts up against the threaded shoulder above the holes and seal it with heat from a hair dryer. This gives you a more or less air tight seal and will prolong corrosion. On connectors that are outside and exposed to the weather: After you secure your connector to the antenna, wrap it with some electrical tape, then a layer of coax seal and finally with another layer of electrical tape. This will help to prevent moisture/rain from getting into your coax and causing you grief...

I Like this technique. THANKS If it is overkill I want it

[TwentyTwo-Zero]

No problem, Charlie...glad I could help out...