antenna coax

Apr 29, 2012
216
Beneteau 35s5 bristol ri
Does anyone know what type of coax would have been used on my 1990 Beneteau 35s5?
 
Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
Probably RG8X in a white outer sheathing. However, you can use RG8X, RG213, LMR240, LMR400. All are acceptable. You can measure the outside of the cable. About 1/4 inch it is 8X or 240 cable. If about 1/2 inch, then 213 or 400 cable.
 
Oct 22, 2014
20,995
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
RG8X, RG213, LMR240, LMR400
@thetone any of these can be used. Should needs more info. Do you have the space to put the 1/2 inch diameter coax in your boat? Is so try the LMR400. It will optimize your transmission on the VHF radio. It is also more flexible (can be bent in a tighter curve) then the other options.

If your trying to match what you have, then the RG8X is a good choice.
 
Sep 25, 2008
7,076
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
I was asking what should be used. the coax is 1/4".
Likely some variant of RG8x which isn’t the best choice. Larger coax will generally have lower loss so small diameter coax is a compromise in terms of higher loss/ easier install.

If you’re sailing is limited to Narragansett Bay, it shouldn’t make any difference.

Th connector will be the same PL259 for all, the difference being an adapter is needed to accommodate the small diameter cable. Can be had at any coax web site - don’t buy the cheap ones as they are not silver plated and will corrode quickly.
 
Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
The connector will be a UHF, or PL-259 connector. They are called the same thing but usually PL-259. You will want Silver connector for the environment so they don't corrode. You also want solder type, not crimp type. If you don't have the confidence or tools you can ask someone on the dock to help you. Along with the PL-259 will need a reducer. This will ensure your connector fits the smaller diameter of the cable correctly.

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May 24, 2004
7,129
CC 30 South Florida
A 30 year old coax, sounds like you could also use a new cable; there are improved cables in the market now.
 
Apr 29, 2012
216
Beneteau 35s5 bristol ri
The connector will be a UHF, or PL-259 connector. They are called the same thing but usually PL-259. You will want Silver connector for the environment so they don't corrode. You also want solder type, not crimp type. If you don't have the confidence or tools you can ask someone on the dock to help you. Along with the PL-259 will need a reducer. This will ensure your connector fits the smaller diameter of the cable correctly.

View attachment 174552
Do you know if there is a compression PL-259 that doesn't require soldering?
 
Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
Oct 22, 2014
20,995
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Not sure why @thetone . I sent it on my MAC and just tested it using my Windows PC. I found it at Defender.