Antenna coax connector tools

[kcjaz]

I am installing a ham radio antenna that uses RG316 coax and PL259 connectors. I need to cut the PL259 off so I can get the cable through the firewall grommet. My coax crimp tool is too big as RG316 is pretty small. I went to the DX Engineering website and they have tools but man they are very expensive for something I'll use once or twice. I think I can prep the cut cable with a razor knife but I'm struggling to find a cheap crimp tool for RG316 coax. Searching Amazon this may work:

Amazon product ASIN B09SPSV785
Also, the DX Engineering tools make a soldered connection, not crimp. I'm sure that is better but how necessary is that? Looking for any guru advice here.

 

[sdnative]

I have built several antenna cables using PL259 connectors and never used a crimp tool (that I remember but it has been awhile). I soldered the connectors similar to this video:



I have also purchased pre made cables with PL259 on one end that had a small thread connector that the PL259 connector screwed onto. The smaller connector could easily be routed through small spaces, then the PL259 part could be attached when the cable is in place. I got them at HRO. I'll see if I can find them. They were around $20 and about 18' long.

 

[sdnative]

Found it. For my NMO installations, I used the Larsen NMOKHFUDFME cable. It uses a FME female connector which is easy to feed through tight spaces. You can get FME to PL259 connectors. Larsen makes good cables (and antennas).

 

[CharlieS]

I used something similar when I did my GMRS install. the removable connector makes it easy.

 

[kcjaz]

Found it. For my NMO installations, I used the Larsen NMOKHFUDFME cable. It uses a FME female connector which is easy to feed through tight spaces. You can get FME to PL259 connectors. Larsen makes good cables (and antennas).

This is what I have which is what I think you are recommending. I was thinking I needed to cut the small SMA connector off to fit it through the fire wall rubber grommet.

The small SMA connector will probably go through if I just cut a large enough slot in the grommet. I can then seal it up with RTV or something. I was just wanting to make the smallest incision possible.

 

[CharlieS]

This is the one I used, with a separate NMO adapter on the antenna end.

12 Foot Length Heavy Duty CB Coax Cable w. Removeable PL259 Connector 128XN13

Check out this Walcott Radio 128XN13 at www.WalcottRadio.com

www.walcottradio.com

I mounted the radio box under the glove box and had 3-4' more cable than I needed. I'd go shorter if I did it again.

 

[kcjaz]

I called DX Engineering to see what they would recommend as far a cutting and reinstalling the SMA connector and basically the guy said most people do not do that because, to do it properly, and not compromise the antenna performance, you have to have the right tools and they are expensive for someone doing it once or twice. essentially, I'd have to buy $100 of tools to modify my $50 cable just to avoid a slightly bigger incision on the firewall grommet and not have 3' excess cable. You could hack this without the good tools but run the risk of compromised performance.

 

[kcjaz]

This is the one I used, with a separate NMO adapter on the antenna end.

12 Foot Length Heavy Duty CB Coax Cable w. Removeable PL259 Connector 128XN13

Check out this Walcott Radio 128XN13 at www.WalcottRadio.com

www.walcottradio.com

I mounted the radio box under the glove box and had 3-4' more cable than I needed. I'd go shorter if I did it again.

Hey Charlie, I’m doing this over again but this time I want to bring in the antenna cable through the fire wall. The cable you link to above looks similar in size (with the PL259 unscrewed from it). Did you route that small SMA connector through the fire wall? I just done see how that works as what I’m calling “the small SMA connector”’is like 1/4” diameter.