GPS Antenna Connector Crimping?

[CustomX]

I'm replacing the SMB connector on my sat nav aerial as it's shredded to bits. I've cut the bad connector from the antenna and have new SMB connectors but I'm not sure how they should be properly crimped/soldered?

The co-ax lead has some braided silver wires around the inner, plastic sheathed main copper wire.

Anyone know what to do?

[Alex]

do you put the end bit on like you would on on the end of a tv ariel

[Speedtouch]

I imagine you slide the ferrule over the outer cable, then use a Stanley knife to cut off around a centimetre of the outer insulation, fold the revealed screening back then cut off a few mm of the inner insulation prior to pressing the inner core into the connector then sliding the screening over the ribbed section then slide the ferrule over the top of it to hold it all together.

[CustomX]

So slide the ferrule over the cable.
Peel back the braided layer over the plug extension.
Press the main core into the plug housing.
Then pull and crimp the ferrule back over the braid to close the connection?

Sounds good.

What about that circular thing? I thing it gives access to the back of the plug head.

Why?

[Speedtouch]

Didn't the connector come with fitting instructions? This may provide some idea
http://www.amphenolrf.com/products/Asse ... ns/smb.pdf
(see page 2)

[CustomX]

It didn't.

The soldering ting is what it confusing.

I think that's what the circular thing is for - it's a door to access
the rear for soldering.

Sounds like a lot of noise for a simple job but if this part is
not done well it really ruins your satellite signal.

Cheers tho!

[Speedtouch]

No worries dude. You could probably get away with not soldering it (many TV aerial connectors are interference fit) but like you say for the best signal it's best to solder the inner core. Looks like you can use a punch to fix the disc in place once done, or glue it though I'm guessing you need a metal-to-metal join to complete the screening of the enclosure.

[CustomX]

I think you can access it from the back to solder so I'll they that - bought a load so I'll practice!

I would just replace the antenna at £40 but it's routed all neat behind the dash and I'm not doing that again.

Soldering has never been my strong point - and I don't know how I'm gonna get some solder in that hole anyway.

[Speedtouch]

Yep, it can be tricky. Probably not too bad if you get a little solder in the inner terminal first and lightly tin the inner core of the cable, then just heat as you push the cable in. Go easy with the solder to avoid shorting it out, and remember to lightly tin the soldering iron tip before starting work (helps with heat transfer)!

[CustomX]

Tin means a bit of actual solder right?

[Speedtouch]

Yes, just a light brushing on either the soldering iron tip or a piece of cable/wire, etc.