Wiring of coaxial connectors
Assembly of coaxial cable is fairly simple, but there are a few different methods to do it. Having a good coax signal depends heavily on the correct installation of the connectors. If you're not sure how to install a coax connector, check out our installation guide here.
Whether crimp, solder, compression, and twist-on is the best option will depend on the exact setting the cable will be used in. Consider the following questions:
l Is the cable low voltage or high voltage?
l Will it be used for field work or factory work?
l What is the personal experience of working with cables?
l How long is the cable expected to last?
l What is the budget?
l Will the cable be exposed to hazardous environments (extreme temperatures, exposure to chemicals, vibrating machinery, etc.)?
The details below cover the different options and take into account general overall performance. If other factors come into play, a connector type not generally considered "the best" may be your best option.
Crimp
Crimp connectors are the most popular choice and the first choice for most professionals. Crimping has two major advantages over other options: it's easy and fast. With good tools and enough expertise, crimp connectors can be connected in 30 seconds.
Crimp holds the connector in place by removing the connector's metal sleeve and squeezing it tightly against the cable. It sounds simple, but these connections are air tight and will withstand any reasonable pull test when properly secured. The only special tool required to install a crimp connector is a crimper.
The ease of crimping depends on the crimping tool used. As with most tools, you get what you pay for. People who are new to crimping or who only need to crimp a few cables should have access to a simple, inexpensive crimping machine. If you plan on making 1000 cables, it's a good investment to choose something that feels good in your hand and won't hurt your hand.
*Note: Some types of crimp connectors require the user to solder the center pin into place, even if the connector is marked as a crimp connector.
Solder
Soldering requires more time and effort than a crimp with a similar end result. Soldered connections perform better than crimps if done correctly, but pulling them out usually requires a skilled technician and depends on the connector used. Properly soldered connectors can provide a stronger electrical signal than crimp connectors, but they are physically more fragile.
Soldering anything (coax connectors or whatever) can be difficult for beginners. If you are new to soldering, it is highly recommended that you consult the guide beforehand and learn it slowly. Too much or too little solder can cause the cable to fail or not work properly. Watching the video guide also helps to understand how the process works before getting started.
A soldering iron will be required to perform a solder mount. There are different types of soldering irons, and having the right tool for the job is just as important as having the right skills. Unless you must solder, crimping is usually the faster, easier, and more efficient option. After hand tightening, you'll also need a wrench, pliers or similar to tighten the connectors together.
One consideration for soldier connections is the type of material of the dielectric. Dielectrics are bits that look like plastic inside some types of cables and connectors. If the soldering iron is not handled properly, the dielectric can melt and damage the connector. Some materials like Teflon can withstand soldering well. Others, like foam, do not withstand welding well and are easily damaged.
Compression
Compression connectors are similar to crimp connectors and are faster and easier to install while using a similar installation method. First, twist the connector onto the cable, then use a compression tool to tighten the connection. The seal between the cable and connector compresses tighter, making it more weather resistant than its crimped counterpart.
The disadvantage of compression connectors stems from a simple fact: they are new. Not every type of coax connector can be compressed. Typically, only the most common types of coaxial cables, such as F-type and BNC, are available as compression connectors. Compression connectors tend to cost about the same as crimp connectors, although this can vary by manufacturer.
Compression tools do cost more than crimping tools, but each installation puts less pressure on the tool, so they last longer. A single compression tool may still be powerful for the same amount of time that two or three crimpers wear out. Tool quality is also a major factor here, but compression tools tend to last longer.
TWIST-ON
Twist-on connectors are not recommended. Since no tools are used to secure the connector, twist-on coax is always more fragile than other types of coax and has a weaker signal. At best, twist-on connectors can be used as a short-term solution or emergency field repair. Twist-on is not recommended for signals above 1 GHz.