Installing a PL-259 Coax Connector

Soldering cannot be avoided when you are working on your antenna system.
A low wattage soldering iron Is the recommended tool when working with
most electronics.   However when it comes to PL style coax connectors a
high power solder gun is best. The higher heat is required to bond the
solder to the plug subassembly.   The goal is to get in, bond the solder
to the connection and get out without overheating the entire assembly.

There are many variations for installing PL connectors on RG-8 style
coax cable. Everyone will agree on one firm requirement; to only have
to build the connection once and have it operate properly for the life
of the cable.  Sound like a lot to demand?  It you take a little extra
time and care, the procedure is easy end straight forward.

A proper connection will be water tight and as electricity conductive
as possible. If you skip over some steps, in the long run,  you will
loose signal power and reliability.

This method starts by preparing the shield by giving it a jacket of solder.
This prevents it from unraveling and also provides a perfect surface for
the plug sub-assembly solder points.

When you cut the solder jacket, use a sharp  razor blade,  you need to
keep the cut edge as clean as possible.   A sloppy edge may not fit in
the plug assembly.

The plug sub-assembly has screw threads on the inside.   Use these to
screw the plug onto the coax outer insulation jacket.  The solder jacket
will be visible in the plugs solder hole.  If you can see some of the
center insulator, the coax is not inserted deep enough.

Use the solder gun to bond the solder jacket to the plug through the
three holes.  Cut and solder the center conductor.   Use a volt/ohm meter
to test your cable.   The center conductor  on  both  ends should be
conductive.  The plug sub-assembly shields on both ends should also
be conductive. There should be NO conductivity between the center
conductor and the outer shields of the plug.