SMA connector replacement or removal

Note

It is a good idea to protect the antenna connectors with a silicone cover

The antenna connectors on the HackRF board are the 18.5 mm variant available here.

Notice that you could fit the SMA-KE 18.5mm variant, but it will be not the perfect fit for the type of pcb mount used in originally.

Replacing a broken connector

1. Desolder the original, use enough flux (i.e. this "self cleaning" variant) and fresh solder. If there is parts of the SMA connector still there, it might be more difficult to remove because the thermal mass.

2. Clean the pads

3. Place the new one. It will be very tight. Align it correctly

4. Solder and clean the residual flux

Removing a connector

You may want to remove the bottom sma connectors if you dont use them, or you may have a damaged connector that you need to remove before replacing it. This is a simple way to do that without risk of damaging your PCB.

If you only want to remove the connector, all you need is a small file, preferably one that has a knife-like edge, it will make it easier.

Note that im using a random pcb i had lying around for this demonstration.

1. Use your file to file down the pins holding the connector almost all the way down.

2. Now flip the board over and do the same on the other side.

3. At this point you want to rock the plug up and down lightly, it should break off. You may have to file the pins a little bit more if it doesnt break off with very light force.

4. Once the connector is removed, you can de-solder the remaining pins one by one, or just clean up the dust and leave it as it is, if you are just removing the CLCK IN/OUT connectors.