Joining UHF coax
Submitted: Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:04
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Kanga1
G'day all, I am needing to lengthen a UHF coax and need to make a COAX to COAX join, have rumaged through the little bits and pieces
bins in Dick Smith and couldn't find anything that would work, I was hoping to make a better join than soldering core to core and making a
bridge out of the outer sheath to solder the two sheaths together, any ideas on sockets/plugs and where to get them? Cheers Kanga1
Reply By: Louie the fly (SA) - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:22
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:22
Kanga1, the easiest method is to attach a PL259 to each end of the coax and join with a PL259 FM/FM adapter. Over the last few years I've found DS Electronics don't carry as big a range of components as they used to. Someone like Jaycar or your local communications store will have what you need. There is a wide range of connectors around once you start looking. I always carry a couple of solderless plugs and a joiner just in case.
Louie
AnswerID:
358013
Follow Up By: Sir SOOTY Kev & Darkie - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:23
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:23
Yep, what he said ;)
Cheers Kev
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Follow Up By: Member - Fred B (NT) - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:41
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:41
Asabove, except I use the Quick-link style (they cam-lock) instead of the threaded type. They dont vibrate and unscrew like the 259. I then tape over the joint with self-vulcanising type tape (from any electrical store or bunnings) to keep the dust and water out. Sorry, can't give you the part # just now; available at tricky dicky or Jaycar.
FollowupID:
626131
Follow Up By: Kanga1 - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:47
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:47
Cheers guys, I'll find Jaycar on net I expect, is the part of the pl259 a snug screw in fit on the outer sheath of the cable? or do you pour solder into the socket? Cheers, Kanga1
FollowupID:
626132
Follow Up By: Louie the fly (SA) - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:54
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 15:54
All of the PL259's screw over the outer braid. I think there is a how to in the "members fileswap" area. With the solderless ones you crimp the inner wire at the end of the pin. You got to watch that it doesn't get to squashed out of shape or else it wont fit into the other half. Bit like us really!!! And as Fred B says, always tape it up with something durable and waterproof. I've used this tape that is like hessian with beeswax through it.
Louie
FollowupID:
626135
Follow Up By: Kanga1 - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 16:11
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 16:11
Cheers Louie, your bloods worth bottling. Kanga1
FollowupID:
626139
Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 17:12
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 17:12
Depending on which Coax you are using they may not fit as different cables differ in thickness.
Best thing to do is cut 1/2 inch off it and take it in with you as they will probably ask u which one you have.
Eg RG59 screwons dont fit RG6
If its for an RT you need good
connectors but if its just for a TV get a pair of RF connectors.
259's are really bulky and I never use them as there are smaller neater options.
Cheers
I have a DS catalogue if you want part nos
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 17:32
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 17:32
. . . also PL259's ar not waterproof, they are not 50 ohm connectors and they will not make good contact unless screwed up really tight - very important at UHF frequencies.
Use BNC connectors - they are waterproof, are true 50 ohm connectors and make a prefect connection even when just pushed together.
FollowupID:
626148
Reply By: psproule - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 18:01
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 18:01
Is there an option to replace the whole length? Joins in RF cable are generally regarded as a "no-no" due to signal loss.
AnswerID:
358040
Follow Up By: Kanga1 - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 21:14
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 21:14
Hi, the antenna and base that I have fitted are the big heavy duty GME ones that come already wired up in the base (made that way) and the coax from where I have fitted it at the rear of the Troopy isn't long enough by 3 metres to get to the 2way, so a join is necessary, the antenna at the rear is 6-9db GME 4703 I think and the 4.5db on the bull bar is the GME 4706 I think. Cheers to all for the input. Kanga1.
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Reply By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 22:59
Saturday, Apr 04, 2009 at 22:59
Kanga, I may have one of those PL259 joiners in the shed.... I'll have a look tomorrow if you like and if it's there, you'd be welcome to it.......
Roachie
AnswerID:
358095
Follow Up By: Kanga1 - Sunday, Apr 05, 2009 at 10:52
Sunday, Apr 05, 2009 at 10:52
Cheers Roachie, if I can't get them locally will give you a shout, much appreciated. Kanga1
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