R&S SML01 1.1Ghz Generator

[Martin72]

Is crimping better than soldering ?
That was my question...

[switchabl]

At 1 GHz both will work just fine. Crimping is usually faster/cheaper if you need to do more than just a handful. High-end test cables are often soldered. Some types of coax cables can't be soldered.

It's more important to use quality connectors (ideally brand-name connectors like Suhner, Radiall, Rosenberger etc) and cables. And to follow the assembly instructions carefully. Make sure the connector is actually suitable for the cable. Cut to the correct lengths. Don't damage the braid. Make a fixture to hold everything in the right place for repeatable soldering. If possible, measure a few samples on a VNA to make sure your process is ok.

[Martin72]

If possible, measure a few samples on a VNA to make sure your process is ok.

I do not have a VNA.
Not yet...

Cable :
https://kabel-kusch.de/Koaxkabel/HyperFlex-10/HyperFlex-5.htm

Connectors:
https://kabel-kusch.de/Steckverbinder/steckverbinder.htm

[switchabl]

I haven't used their connectors but I have bought a couple of coax adapters from them. Definitely a step above your usual Ali special. Not exactly precision adapters but quality seems consistent enough, unlikely to be completely off or damage your test port. Good price/performance for general purpose, low-ish frequency applications.

(I did try to use one of their BNC-SMA for a DC resistance measurement once and that was a bit all over the place. 60$ Amphenol RF adapter was repeatable to a couple of mOhms.)

[Performa01]

Is crimping better than soldering ?
That was my question...

Well, if you ask me, the answer is this: if done professionally, a crimped connector can be just as good as a soldered one. The worst thing you can do is buying the cheapest junk connectors in the crimp version. I have once made a bunch of lab cables, using standard RG58 and cheap noname crimp connectors. Most of them have developped contact problems sooner or later. By contrast, all my soldered ones have worked well even after 10+ years.

Last time I needed a bunch of new cables in various lengths and with different connectors - yes, it was when I introduced the Hyperflex 5 in my lab, I didn't take a chance and ordered the cables custom built from Koaxshop 24 - but they don't seem to carry the Hyperflex anymore, which is a pity, because it has the best electrical characteristics overall amongst all those "low loss" cables which are still usable in a lab (you don't want anything thicker than 5 mm and you also don't want anything more rigid than the Hyperflex 5 for sure).

[Martin72]

I have now ordered the Hyperflex 5 cable and some BNC58-155 and N-153TA connectors, for soldering.
Either I solder them myself or take them to work, because we also assemble cables there....

[Martin72]

Kusch is quick...

[Martin72]

I wasn´t so quick, finished today..
It was a bit fiddly, but I don't think the quality is the worst.
I have now ordered more BNC plugs and will make BNC cables to replace my cheap ones.
And then it's time to get to grips with the generator, e.g. with the sweep mode.
Because I wanted to do something with it.