actually, soldering a PL-259 isn't a hard thing to do.
it's a simple matter of tin the wire if it's multistrand centre 
conductor, then insert it in the plug and screw down until the braide is 
barely showing out the top of the connector, then, either get a dollop 
of solder on the iron, or find a way to hold the end of the solder roll 
to the hole where the centre conductor is poking out, then hold teh iron 
on the pin itself and allow the solder to melt into the hole filling it 
up, and giving you a stirdy connection. or if you are uncomfortable with 
that situation, just hold the end of the iron in the hole at the end of 
the centre pin and again allow the solder to melt. you really only need 
enough to make the wire stick to the pin, but clogging the end of the 
pin with solder will make sure it doesn't go anywh
ere.
Shaun,
vk2fese,
web sites:
http://www.myspace.com/blindmanshaunoliver
http://blindman.homelinux.org/~blindman/
skype: brailledude


On 10/11/2008 12:03 PM, the old scribe known as Louis Kim Kline was able 
to impart this pearl of wisdom:
> Hi John.
> 
> Well, I'm sorry to say that if I want a PL259 connector to last, I let 
> someone else solder it.  My hat is off to you if you can do it; I've never 
> been able to pull it off since my vision went, and rather than pop a set of 
> finals in a rig, I'll let someone else do the dirty work.  Fortunately, I 
> know a few guys around here that are very good at what they do because they 
> work in commercial radio.
> 
> 73, de Lou K2LKK
> 
> 
> 
> At 04:10 PM 11/8/2008 -0500, you wrote:
>> I've learned over the years to solder my own connectors on because as of a
>> couple weeks ago, every single one I had other people solder, other than the
>> ones I inspected, had problems. Only antennas I can't work on myself are the
>> one on the vent pipe on the roof of the house, and I don't like to work on
>> the ones on the side of the house myself though will if I have to. The
>> wire's are good unless the rope breaks, if the rope's good I can lower it,
>> do what I have to and run it back up, if the rope breaks, I'm not sure the
>> tree will hold me if I climb it and I don't trust my aim with the wrist
>> rocket though I have my own so anyone with any aim at all can put the rope
>> back for me.
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Richard Fiorello" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2008 1:33 PM
>> Subject: raising antennas
>>
>>
>>> Hello;
>>> Just like the rest of the world many blind people are more handy than
>>> others.  I can generally figure out the basics of a radio on my own but
>>> when
>>> it comes to antenna installation help is needed.  Its a combination of
>>> soldering, drilling and knowing where those mysterious power lines are.
>>> True some blind folks can solder and many aren't reluctant to get out the
>>> drill but I would rather look for some assistance and feel more certain it
>>> is done correctly the first time.
>>> The down side of things can be that sometimes your helpers feel they no
>>> best
>>> and what you end up with may not be what you planned on.
>>> Looking at my hf9v even if the instructions were brailed (which they won't
>>> be) they rely heavily on pictures and color codes.
>>> Richard
>>
>> --
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>> 9:53 AM
> 
> Louis Kim Kline
> A.R.S. K2LKK
> Home e-mail:  [log in to unmask]
> Work e-mail:  [log in to unmask]
> Work Telephone:  (585) 697-5740  
> 
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> 
> 
>