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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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VHF Antenna Spacer

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Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/18/2010 : 20:53:02

I took off my mast head mounted VHF antenna to lube the connections and noticed there is a 3/8" pink insulator/spacer that goes between the PL-258 connector and the internal pin of the antenna. This is the same antenna that Catalina Direct sells. Anyone know the purpose of this piece? I have two theories. One is it is part of the tuning circuitry. The other is it allows the connector to make a secure vibration proof connection. My biggest concern is it only allows the pin to insert the PL-258 connector about 1/8" which seems insufficient to me. I have never been very happy with the range I get with this antenna and am considering eliminating the spacer all together to make sure I have a good connection. Is there anyone who has installed this antenna familiar with this piece? The picture below shows the spacer and the PL-258 connector. The pin on the left is only for reference as it is similar to the pin internal to the antenna.

Joe Wergers
Utopia
Fleet 7/Oceanside, CA
78 C25 FK/SR #381

Edited by - Sloop Smitten on 05/18/2010 20:54:15

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2010 : 04:00:01

Something doesn't sound right here.

I searched for the item and only thing I could find was
http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=7133512#tab=Specs

Would not be suprised to learn that it's a shipping protector!

It's a coax connector, you want the maximum physical contact in any joint in the line.

Paul

Edited by - on

KD4AO
Navigator

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USA
202 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2010 : 04:42:03

Looks like the center insulator out of the PL-259. Look down into it. There should be nothing between the PL-259 and the barrel connector. There should be a good electrical connection for both the center pin and the outer shell all the way from the antenna to the radio.

Edited by - KD4AO on 05/19/2010 04:45:39

Tradewind
Admiral

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USA
531 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2010 : 04:53:51

Never seen that before and I've installed many VHF radios and antennas.

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2010 : 05:12:18

I've seen it and I thought it was a shipping part and threw it away. I've only seen it with my last radio install, never before. I still think it is a shipping part. I've found on mine and previous marine radio's ( and CBs ) that connector ( without the plastic thing you show ) was always a "hard" connection. It was difficult to get the prong all the way in and it was not smooth going in. In the past in saltwater it would corrode. I've begun oiling the connection with an electrical spray.

That would explain your transmit power problem.

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Tom Gauntt
Navigator

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204 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2010 : 06:54:12

Joe, I'm not an electrical engineer, but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night... I'm pretty sure the pink "spacer" is actually a "reducer." The three common coaxial cables used on boats are the RG-8U, the RG-58U, and the RG-213. The RG-8 and 213 have a diamter of 0.4 inches and the RG-58 has a diamter of 0.2". The pink reducer goes on the RG-58, over the outside insulation and inside the barrel of the connector. It allows you to use either the RG-8/213 standard or the thinner diameter RG-58 with the same connector. I think you will be very happy when you re-connect the cable without the adapter in the way!

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aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2010 : 07:44:37

Is this forum a learning experience or what? Thanks for the info Tom.

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2010 : 08:13:02

Yepper.. before long we are going to start playing "What's this I found in the bilge" ... one of my favorite games.

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Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2010 : 08:25:25

Thanks guys. It definitely seemed strange to see it there when I disconnected the cable. Maybe now when I hail someone I'll get a reply.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.