Co -ax

[dlochner]

Bottom clean, keel resealed & refaired - check
New Tour Xi genoa and Tour Xi Ultra main + new asso on the way - check
5/16th D Race halyards installed -check
To do - New steaming/decklight combo to be installed
Remove altogether - or replace - co-ax cable, antenna, msthd light and wiring w/lower weight alt.

So the real questions are, do you want a masthead anchor light? Do you want a masthead VHF antenna?

There is nothing that says you have to have both.

A masthead light will require 14 or at an absolute minimum of 16 gauge duplex wire even if it is an LED light. The heavier gauge wire is needed to support the wire going up the mast.

For the VHF there are 2 sizes of coax cable that can be used, one is lighter and thinner, but not as efficient, meaning there is greater signal loss. The other is thicker and heavier with less signal loss.

 

[Drinky Crow]

duplex wire ...The heavier gauge wire is needed to support the wire going up the mast.

.

It shares a conduit with the duplex wire for steaming light, seperate from the co-ax, why couldn't I use...

 

[jssailem]

You could use that for your light.
Would not replace coax for your antenna.

 

[dlochner]

It shares a conduit with the duplex wire for steaming light, seperate from the co-ax, why couldn't I use...

I'm assuming this is for the anchor light? If so, yes you can use this, however, strain relief is going to be an issue. Duplex wire is encased in a plastic sleeve that will help support the weight and provide additional chafe protection from slapping around inside the conduit and at the entrance and exit of the conduit.

This will not work for the VHF because the VHF is propagating radio signals and those have special requirements.

 

[Drinky Crow]

Would not replace coax for your antenna.
This will not work for the VHF because the VHF is propagating radio signals and those have special requirements.

I get that co-ax and electrical wire are different, guess I'm not articulating my thoughts coherently.
Conduit isn't very big, is a pliable vinyly stuff and wire will share lower portion with duplex for steaming light.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

If you have a few extra pounds to lose then do that before skimping out on boat gear if you want to save weight

 

[jssailem]

You have the mast down and available to work on, why not refit with a better piece of conduit. Any PVC pipe schedule 20 1/2inch will serve to provide a decent conduit for your needs. You attach it to the mast using a rivet.

 

[Drinky Crow]

I like what's in there just fine it was a factory pro install.
Mr. Mayhem, I want you to know I ate a chocolate chip cookie in honour of your post for obvious reasons since I'll be campaigning the boat single/short handed .

 

[dlochner]

I like what's in there just fine it was a factory pro install.

Then why are we having this discussion?

If for some reason you decide to remove the wire, do yourself or the next owner a favor and run a messenger line through the conduit when you pull the wire. A length of mason's twine weighs next to nothing and will enable the next person to easily pull a wire through the mast.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Life is too short...

 

[Drinky Crow]

Then why are we having this discussion?

I have no issue with the conduit that's currently in the mast. I do not like the size or weight the co-ax or the wire leading to the msthd light. Or the msthd light unit itself or the antenna for that matter as there are lighter weight alternatives.
I think I have time to re-wire the msthd light but the light itself or new co-ax/antenna can't be had in time to install before launch.

 

[Drinky Crow]

You could use that for your light.

Thanks.

Would not replace coax for your antenna.

But...

Ancor recommends RG-8X for VHF runs less than 50 feet

 

[jssailem]

Would it be worth the improved lower loss signal transmission for the difference of 1.65 lbs. spread over the 50 ft o cable?

50 Ft of LRM400 Ultra Low Loss cable.
Size:50ft N-Male to N-Male
Package Dimensions : 15.79 x 15.16 x 4.13 inches; 3.52 Pounds

50 Ft of RG-8 cable.
Size:50 FT

Package Dimensions	12.4 x 11.89 x 2.91 inches
Item Weight	1.87 pounds

 

[Drinky Crow]

Placebo effect.
Thanks very kindly all of you for your input, I have now formulated a plan going forward.
ps - I'm getting a composting toilet! Isn't that fun?