Soldering a pl259

[Refueler]

Sorry, but that makes no sense to me. Why would you use the wrong type of connector, then use an adapter to make it the right connector ? Same amount of work to fit the BNC but two connectors to buy and an extra joint ???

As they say - added an addition possible point of failure.

 

[ProDave]

The PL259 dates from pre-WW2 where it was intended for use at HF frequencies or lower, and it's perfectly sufficient for that use. For higher frequencies it's not ideal, but still acceptable for VHF. Above that they start to get more lossy and something else is a better choice. N connectors would be a better choice for marine VHF use as they have better inherent weather sealing, but for some reason the use of PL259s became established on most transceivers and so that's what we have to put up with.

I changed the SOCKETs on my ham radio gear from SO239 to N so I can use good quality plugs.

I would do the same on the VHF but it would make it non standard.

 

[LittleSister]

Thanks. I'll give this a go. I thought you melted the solder from the iron not the joint.

The important point about using the joint to melt the solder, rather than the iron, is that the solder will melt and run only when the joint is hot enough.

Dripping solder onto joint that is not hot enough will not form a good connection.