UHF Coax plug testing

The middle pin soldered to the core wire must not touch the fitting or braid. The fitting and braid must touch each other though. The braid is also part of the clamping at the aerial base which connects to earth/neg.

The core wire of the plug should be/has to be connected to the aerial screw for the aerial to receive the transmitted rf energy.

All these can be checked with the ohms set on low ohms.

I'm new to multimeters. so if I set it to beep which bits do I touch and what should I hear? I presume tip to outer casing should be no beep?

I only use the screw on ones in an emergency.
Find a TV tech and get good quality compression plugs fitted – you will get less loss than using the screw on ones.
Particularly important if you have a low strength signal.

Hootsmon,

Type this into Google for explanations.

How to test coaxial cable with a multimeter ?

Cheers P&J

The single most important thing to understand about RF coaxes and terminations IS.

There is no instrument mere mortals can afford that will properly test these circuits.

SO, while it is a good idea to do what basic tests you can.

It is most important to know the the joint is perfect, because you made it that way.

Knowing you business, being carefull and attentive is above all.

Whatever plug or connection system you are using you must prepare carefully and to dimemsions specified and know that the plug has gone on perfectly.

An RF cable can test perfectly fine DC, but can have a number of problems.

I am a technician that has been trained on a number of coax termination systems..and i am pretty damn good with a soldeing iron.
Given the choice, I will use some sort of crimping system on coax....because it is consistent and reliable.

Those screw on connectors, are a bit rough, but with care..AND fitting to the correct cable that can make a satisfactory termination.....but care is certainly required.

cheers

Last one. Is the UHF connector the PL259 typically?

G'day,

I might be a bit late but I came across this tonight - Coax connectors made easy. I thought it might help.

Steve