Well, the series N, TNC, BNC, and SMA are available in the form of soldered inner and clamped outer connector with a compression packing holding the cable mantle tight. To be precise, I even have some of those in SMC size, but I would consider their mounting a penal assignment or even a cruel and unusual punishment. The clamp-type RF connectors forgive even less than the crimped ones and the handling of the screen braid is the critical element. They have the advantage that you can redo a connector that came out crappy. I suggest the following precautions:
- only (and strictly only) use connectors from established manufacturers with available documentation. Do not use any low-cost no-name connector crap. (Suhner, Rosenberger, Radiall, Kings, Pasternack, Amphenol, Automatic Connector..)
- Get the correct mounting instruction for each connector and follow it meticously. Do not try to take shortcuts. If you do not like to look at a 0.5mm-divided ruler often, use vernier calipers.
- Finger-tight clamp won't do
- in some connectors is a special part that clamps the screen braid, in others (regardless of manufacturer or series) there isn't. Can be only checked with the abovementioned docs, especially if the cat connector is already out of the bag. (i refer to the thicker ring with the tapering cross-section.)
- if you want some additional robustness against the cable bending too sharp, you can use a piece of shrink tube. But you should install it right when fitting the connector and it has to be real flush.Use a thinner, harder type and not a soft and thick one, or the compression clamp will not work.
- check the position of the inserted center contact whether correct and retained good. In one case, it will be shoved out, in the other the counterpart will suffer.
General: you are aware that the PTFE-cables like RG-400 are somewhat less flexible than the PVC-isolated ones? If you do not need the performance, the latter might handle easier. I have to look up the suitable double shielded type, but it is not RG-223!
If you go for crimping, do yourself a favour and get a Daniels or Astro M22520 5-01 or 10-01 crimp tool.
Or the one from Suhner or a comparable one from one of the connector manufacturers. Not a Pressmaster, not a Knipex and not anything else. And of course some dies for it. In the US they are far easier to find than here. The end result will be used and still a bit more expensive (not much, although) but it makes a real difference. REPEAT: NOT ANYTHING ELSE.
You should further invest in one of the stripper tools which have two blades and depth stops. You do not want to have one end fitted ok, then cutting off the other side in pieces because nicked conductor, dielectricum etc. And do not think that a coax connection will be acceptable if, for example, you hurt the dielectric in the position where you should cut the mantle.
Also the X-acto knife is a devious tool. Change blades in time. And apply as much feeling as you would like your dentist to have when the Novocaine is out. The forward end of the dielectricum must be a flush, circular shape. No points or flakes standing out, as this will impair the seating of the center conductor. especially for the smaller series this is critical. But this means that you have to cut through all of the dielectric over the full circumference and that you must not rip off the uncut remainder. Doing so does in turn raise the danger of nicking the center conductor, which is also not good. This applies to both forms of connectors.
Do not straighten out the screen wires if not explicitly instructed to do so (by a mounting instruction). In most cases, it is assumed that the weave of the shield braid under the crimp or clamp is kept undisturbed.
And last not least: do not cut your coaxial cables with a diagonal cutter. The deformation of the dielectric is far to excessive. Use a small cable shear!
As for the special connectors: again the major manufacturers should be ok. Thore that do real RF, instrumentation and Milspec. No CATV or Network crap. and then get a ample supply of the same type. The more often you fit the same connectors, the easier it becomes.