On Fri, 17 Feb 2006 17:35:47 -0800, Roy Lewallen
wrote:

There are quite a number of styles of N connector, and each is a bit
different. Cable stripping dimensions for a couple of the more common
ones are shown in the ARRL Handbook, and you might be able to find
instructions for your particular connector on the manufacturer's web
site. I'd say the most important thing is to make sure the center
conductor pin protrudes the correct distance, and make sure the cable
end of the center conductor pin is against the insulation. That is,
there shouldn't be any place where air is the only dielectric between
inner and outer conductors except along the large diameter portion of
the center pin.

My advice is based more on extensive experience with time domain
reflectometry than on a great deal of experience making precision cables
with N connectors. Hopefully someone with more actual connector
experience will comment further.

Thanks, Roy. This is *totally* uncharted territory for me so any
advice is welcome.
I guess even if I can't get any cross sectional drawings of the
N-types off the net I could perhaps measure the required cut from
probing the connectors themselves with a dial caliper depth gauge -
which I happen to have. That ought to be the most accurate way of
going about it, I guess.
Is the amount of braid one clamps up into the plug important? Does it
matter if it gets twisted slightly (where it's doubled back down over
the outside of the outer insulation)?
Thanks,
p.