Hi,

I installed my CB over my rear view mirror, routed the cable through the windshield frame, under the passenger's side carpet, yadda yadda, up to the back of the jeep.

I tried to put pl-259 connectors but it does'nt work... really weak signal.

Do you have an idea about how to be certain that the soldering is good?
Is there any thing I have to check?

thanks

 

I did not use a PL-259 connectors on my antenna end. All I did was use two 3/8" ring terminals and crimped one on the shielding for the ground and then one on the core that connects to my stud mount.

 

If anything can go wrong with a coax it'll most likely be at the connector/s. Sodering on 259s needs to be real good. You need enough heat to make the solder, but not too much that you melt the dielectric. You have to make sure you don't short anything out. You might want to pick up a volt/ohm meter where you can check resistance as well as continuity. They are invaluable tools.

 

To expand on AK4Dave's advice: You're best if you use a soldering pencil to solder the center conductor to the pin. And you're going to need the heat of a soldering gun, but gently, quickly and skillfully applied so as to not damage the dielectric, to get a good electrical and mechanical connection for the shield to the outer shell. I know that it sounds counterintuitive, but using too little heat will take too long to properly melt the solder, allowing the heat more time to damage the dielectric. If you are not confident in your soldering abilities, get someone to help/supervise/perform the task for you who is.