Twist On Connectors

[Freeski]

I am using a PL-259 Male twist on connector for my RG-6/U

I twisted it on, but got nothing reception wise. So I stripped the outer shell about 1/4" and then the white shell 1/8" (so that the bare copper wire was sticking out a bit) and twisted the connector on. I am getting reception now but I am very leary because I know that is a weakness in my setup. I temporarily set my antenna up at the base of my slanted tin roof and Im only getting one Wx channel. I really don't notice that much of a difference between my antenna (discone) and my standard one that came with the scanner. I only have the top whip radial on but I know I should still be picking up these frequencies at least a bit clearer. Any suggestions?

 

[W4KRR]

The problem with the twist on PL-259 connectors is that if they aren't installed just right, it's worse than having no antenna. To me, it's easier to install type "F" crimp on connectors on RG-6 coax and then get an F to PL-259 adapter. Adapters are not ideal, but it will be a lot better than an improperly installed twist on connector.

 

[Freeski]

Thanks for the advice. I know what you mean, I dont want to make all of this time/money/effort go to waste due to a lousy connector. I just need to find a crimp tool.

 

[Freeski]

If anyone has or knows where to get a F to PL-259 adapter please let me know. I cannot find any of these.

 

[SAR923]

Radio Shack sells a decent crimping tool for $17.00. You can see it at http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=278-238 . You might be better off spending the money and getting your PL-259 crimped on correctly if that's your only choice. You can also get one of the RS right angle BNC connectors, which are easy and almost foolproof to install, and then use a BNC to SO-239 adapter for the scanner.

 

[djeplett]

If anyone has or knows where to get a F to PL-259 adapter please let me know. I cannot find any of these.

Pan Pacific makes a nice one that has a gold center conductor. The part number is RFA-8173. It can be found at many sellers online if you search for that part number in quotes on Google or Yahoo.

I got mine from www.action-electronics.com and I was quoted $2.10 a piece, not including shipping.

 

[W4KRR]

If anyone has or knows where to get a F to PL-259 adapter please let me know. I cannot find any of these.

Radio Shack has them, or at least they used to.

 

[Freeski]

Yeah, the big RS store near me didnt. I found a small RS store that did! Now I have to figure out how to crimp the F connector back on.

 

[Freeski]

Wow! That is much better. Before I could only get one Wx channel at FULL SQ, now I can get 2 Wx's at about 1/2 squelch (1 Wx at 0 SQ). It will be even better when I get the mast hooked up and throw it up past the peak of my roof with the other main radials installed.

 

[Al42]

I am using a PL-259 Male twist on connector for my RG-6/U

Not at 800 MHz, I hope. Even a properly crimped PL-259 is more of an insulated short than a connector up there.

 

[Freeski]

I am using a PL-259 Male twist on connector for my RG-6/U

Not at 800 MHz, I hope. Even a properly crimped PL-259 is more of an insulated short than a connector up there.

The twist-on is no longer. I really dont care about 800 MHz anyway. Im just into the airband.