coaxtools
I would like to assemble a few SMA connectors on 0.086" semirigid coaxial cable.
Here is an image of the assembly instructions on one such part (Amphenol 901-9723).
As you can see, the outer jacket of the cable and dielectric must be cut back by dimenion a.
What tool is suitable for cutting/scoring a controlled length the outer jacket and dielectric of the cable without damaging the inner conductor?
I'm willing to spend up to around $1,000 on a tool set.
I've used this one:
It works well for small pcbs.
You can get it from http://www.adafruit.com/products/151
edit: This is Panavise model 201 PV Jr. Many of catalog distributors carry it (Jameco among others).
Look through a table of RG type specifications and find the closest match you can for inner and outer diameters, also matching the characteristic impedance. Then search for connectors that fit that RG type.
Be warned that the RG specifications were developed a long time ago and AFAIK there's no new RG types being introduced since many years ago. So microminiature cable types may not be covered by any RG type. Which will put you right back where you started, having to check each connector datasheet or a selection guide for the range of i.d. and o.d. they accept.
Best Answer
To make a clean work use a coaxial cable stripper: you may find one on aliexpress or rfsupplier site in 5 minutes. They are built for a range of diameters: yours should fit well; I will post a picture of mine when back home end of week. The price is indeed less than 10$ and I don't think you need anything more expensive. Otherwise a cutter with a sharp new blade will do the job, because you do not have to cut sleeve and braid at different lengths here, just cut through the dielectric neatly to the inner conductor.
How to cut to size: cut it slightly abundant and then trim the inner conductor to size after some trial and error gently pushing into the spring contact. You can shape as hinted the tip to 90° or so, to help centering inside the spring contact and to apply force evenly.
Soldering: it is clearly said not to apply excessive heat not to distort/melt the dielectric. Well, the cable may bring away the heat so the soldering iron shall be about 40W (or up to 60W used gently and wisely) for a good result. Apply some flux paste to the metallic cable shield depending on the material: silvered copper or brass does not need it, otherwise it is not doing any harm. I am using colophony in alcohol.
You cannot rework, it usually does not give good results. If the solder joint surface is not even, you may use a fine grinder gently removing the tin alloy in excess.