The output connector.

having aquired a few LARCAN modules I did not want to have to replace the output connector on each before I could test the module, what to do? A friend mentioned that they are similar to a GR connector and I should get hold of an adapter....  but being the impatient HAM, I wanted to do some thing now, today yes before lunch :-)

Off into my bucket of connectors I went and by chance I picked up a very old PL-259 that had been part of a box of bits given to me, the outer of the PL-259 was a vey neat fit in the outter ring of the standard larcan output connector.  Oh so I will try a newer less coroded plug, nope those were too small and did not mate at all.  What was special about this first PL-259? well it was quite heavy and the knurling on the outer was quite deep, unlike many of the current low cost plug. 

I managed to find a few in my collection that were of the same size and also in better condition, so a plan was hatched where I would build up the inner pin with some shim brass to make it the needed size (around 6mm) and then solder it all up to some RG-213 coax as a short adapter lead I can use on any module I need to test.

Now I must stress this is not meant to be a full time connection but a short term test lead for evaluating untested PA modules without first converting them to another connector type.

Peter, June 2012

Centre pin pushed in to an old output connector for testing, its a nice firm fit.

Outer ring pushed in over the centre, once again it provides a nice firm fit

close up of my enlarged centre pin, it is not pretty but it works

Where the rear of the outer ring meets the main body of the connector, I have flow soldered around this ring to ensure connectivity between them as it would be an intermittent joint otherwise.

You can see in this photo where I have filed away the outer plating in readiness for soldering.

  To ensure connectivity I am using a small worm drive clamp around the outer of the Larcan socket to ensure it does not get dislodged during testing.