My VHF cable has succumbed to UV abuse. Can anyone recommend decent and reasonably priced cabling and solder connectors?
VHF Cabling and Connectors
- Thread starter Project_Mayhem
- Start date
My suggestion is to NOT buy coax or the PL259 connectors from Amazon or other generic online sources.
good quality coax, e.g., Belden, LMR, etc… has more dense braid (lower loss) and the connectors should be silver plated. Among the reliable sources are HRO and DXEngineering. Opinions vary on the preferable dielectric but I’ve found the foam core type coax can deform more easily around tight bends which are inevitable on a boat and therefore unsuitable.
as to type coax, some have lower loss but on a50ft +/- run, loss isn’t a showstopper consideration.
good quality coax, e.g., Belden, LMR, etc… has more dense braid (lower loss) and the connectors should be silver plated. Among the reliable sources are HRO and DXEngineering. Opinions vary on the preferable dielectric but I’ve found the foam core type coax can deform more easily around tight bends which are inevitable on a boat and therefore unsuitable.
as to type coax, some have lower loss but on a50ft +/- run, loss isn’t a showstopper consideration.
I'll be replacing the cabling from the radio to the deck. I'm guessing it's a 15ft run. Interested in model numbers for mid grade components
It depends on the connection type too.
This is 15ft from Lowes with a good brand name too.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech/5013579675
This is 15ft from Lowes with a good brand name too.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech/5013579675
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,263
When you want best option for calls to get through optimize the quality of your cable.
www.hamradioschool.com
Seek out lower costs at Ham Radio stores.
Hey, Which Coaxial Cable Should I Use?
A comparison of common ham radio coaxial cable types and signal loss.
www.hamradioschool.com
Seek out lower costs at Ham Radio stores.
The most important characteristic is the impedance, it must be 50 ohm coax. For such as short distance, go for convenience. On a long run up a tall mast low loss cable like the LMR cable is important, on shorter runs less so. How the cables are terminated is important, perhaps more important than the cable itself. Here are some instructions.
Defender sells the cable you want for a buck a foot. The connectors are also inexpensive, about $2 each.
www.defender.com
Easy VHF Terminations - Marine How To
If You Don't Know How to Solder..... If you really don't know how to solder a VHF PL259 connector there are other options as you'll see below. This one is laughable, except that when this owner needed his VHF it was no joke or laughing matter that it failed to transmit. The previous owner or...
marinehowto.com
Defender sells the cable you want for a buck a foot. The connectors are also inexpensive, about $2 each.
Ancor 1/4" RG-8X Coaxial Cable
The Ancor RG-8X Coaxial Cable is made from premium tinned copper center conductor, as well as tinned copper outer braid for corrosion resistance and easy soldering. Features: Signal loss ratios of up to 50% less than other coaxial cables The 96%
I recently replaced the coaxial cable to the masthead antenna using LMR400UF equivalent.
With only a 15 foot run, you obviously have other options
Found these guys to be very reasonable in price and Made in USA
abrind.com
While they do sell the components to commercial customers, consumer customers can order cables made to order.
abrind.com
With only a 15 foot run, you obviously have other options
Found these guys to be very reasonable in price and Made in USA
ABR Industries — Coax Cable, Assemblies, Connector Supplies
Coax Cable, Assemblies, Connector Supplies
abrind.com
While they do sell the components to commercial customers, consumer customers can order cables made to order.
Amateur Radio Coax Builder — ABR Industries
abrind.com
HEINZIR
.
- Jan 22, 2008
- 198
UV damage? Can you cover the exposed portions of your replacement cable with a sleeve or wrap such as this to minimize further damage?
or
www.securecableties.com
or
1/4 Inch Black Flexible Split Loom - 10 Foot
Bundle and organize cables easily with our 10 Foot 1/4 Inch Black Flexible Split Looms.
UV damage to the cables is one concern, since most coax spends some part of its life exposed to UV there is usually UV protection in the outer sheath. Over time, like most things this breaks down and the cable needs replacing. The dialectic in the cable, the braid, and the core wire also deteriorate due to moisture entering the cable and time. This deterioration affects signal strength, reducing the range and clarity of reception and transmission. Replacing the whole cable is not a bad idea.
The ironic thing is that loom will break down in UV, at least most of them. I'll most likely use some heavy black heat shrink or amalgamating electrical tape to protect the new cabling. I found a very reasonably priced company that has some potential cables and parts. They reply pretty quickly to emails as wellUV damage? Can you cover the exposed portions of your replacement cable with a sleeve or wrap such as this to minimize further damage?
or
1/4 Inch Black Flexible Split Loom - 10 Foot
Bundle and organize cables easily with our 10 Foot 1/4 Inch Black Flexible Split Looms.
Create your own custom RF cable
I’ve been a ham for decades and have had multiple coax fed antennas including here in the uV capitol of the U.S., Florida, and never, ever has UV caused any problem. Cheap coax is a different animal.
Exactly what happened with a friend's previous boat ages ago. Signal was crap compared to other boats in the marina. When working on new standing rigging the sheathing was noticed to be cracked. New cable and suddenly the signal was great.
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The seller recommended this assembly. The price is great but it doesn't look terribly durable. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Seeking opinions on this cable
RFC240 UHF Female Bulkhead to PL259
Bear in mind we are rarely more than four miles from the shore in Chicago. We have a handheld VHF and cell phones so this radio isn't a true necessity (perhaps I'll eat my words in a few years)
RFC240 UHF Female Bulkhead to PL259
Bear in mind we are rarely more than four miles from the shore in Chicago. We have a handheld VHF and cell phones so this radio isn't a true necessity (perhaps I'll eat my words in a few years)
The cable must have 50 ohm impedance. The listing does not specify the impedance. I would not buy this. If the impedance is incorrect the radio will not transmit as designed.
Is the mast keel stepped? If not, how would you get the connector through the deck?
That’s precisely the kind of crap I mentioned earlier to avoid - no-name coax and cheap connectors.
Given your proximity to shore, you may not need a VHF radio but if you do replace the coax, do it right.
It's deck stepped. I was planning on using a cable gland and soldering one or both connectors
I've been soldering since I was a kid. I've done everything from other types of coax to SMD. The 259 doesn't look difficult
The issue with the 259 is overheating the core and melting the insulation and soldering the braid to the connector.