what crimping tool does it use?
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2011 3:42 PM
Subject: Interesting coax connector discovery


> Hi, all.
>
> Thanks to the patient Elmering help of Kevin (K7RX), I have discovered a
> really neat kind of coax connector that blind hams like us might find
> useful.
>
> It is the Shakespeare Centerpin PL 259 Cp G Connector
> gold plated brass
> connector for RG-8x and RG-58/Au Coax.
>
> More info on this connector can be found at:
>
> http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=16055&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50157&subdeptNum=50187&classNum=50192
>
>
> This connector apparently was written up in QST some time ago.
>
> The connector can be purchased from an outlet called West Marine, and 
> while
> I was in Missouri, I just happened to find a store location near my son's
> house, and picked up three of them.
>
> The connector seems to be much more robust than a standard crimp-on
> connector, and since it is  for marine use, I would assume it would be
> outdoor friendly if sealed like you would seal a normal PL259.
>
> If there is a drawback to this connector, it's the price--about $10 a 
> piece.
>
> Nevertheless, if the connector can make it possible for us to do RG8X coax
> connections without soldering, the extra money may be worth it in the long
> run.
>
> One question I do not have an answer for is whether the connector will
> tolerate the 600 watts put out by my Ameritron AL811H amplifier, so I will
> call the manufacturer this week to find out.
>
> I have yet to try the connector, and I know some will have definite 
> opinions
> about using it for outdoor applications, but I thought the info might be 
> of
> help to some others on the list.
>
> I'll let you know what I find out when I try one.
>
> 73 from Tom Behler:  KB8TYJ