= NOW 25 WPM = TEXT IS FROM JANUARY 2023 QST PAGE 50 = YOU USE. HERE, THE CRITICAL STEP IS HEATING THE COAX SHIELD PROPERLY, ALONG WITH THE CONNECTOR, FOR THE SOLDER TO BOND CORRECTLY. IF YOU OVERHEAT IT, IT WILL MELT THE DIELECTRIC, WHICH CAN AFFECT THE FEED LINE IMPEDANCE. THEREFORE, THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE QUICKLY WITH A GOOD SOLDERING IRON, AND A LARGE TIP IS RECOMMENDED. THIS TECHNIQUE TOOK ME MANY YEARS TO MASTER. IF THE COAX SHIELD AND CONNECTOR ARE NOT BONDED CORRECTLY, THE CONNECTOR MAY GET LOOSE AND BREAK OR, WORSE, FALL UNDER THE COAX WEIGHT OF THE SUSPENDED DIPOLE. HIGH QUALITY COAX AND HIGH QUALITY CONNECTORS MAKE IT EASIER, BUT ITS STILL A CRITICAL OPERATION. THERE ARE TWO COMMON TYPES OF SOLDER LEAD AND SILVER. SILVER IS STRONGER BUT REQUIRES MORE HEAT, AND THIS MAKES THE TASK EVEN MORE DIFFICULT. PERSONALLY, I USE ONLY LEAD SOLDERING FOR MY CONNECTORS. THE CRIMP METHOD ENSURES A GOOD, SOLID CONNECTION BETWEEN THE CONNECTOR AND THE COAX NO MATTER WHAT THE COAX = END OF 25 WPM TEXT = QST DE W1AW <