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Antenna Cable Quick Connect

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jncarlin
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/03/2003 : 22:46:53

I installed a new antenna on my mast - I've looked for a coaxial socket that I can mount on the cabin top so that I can plug the antenna cable into it without having to bring that cable back into the cabin to the VHF - and disconnect when I take the mast down. I've asked all over (my local boat supply shop, West Marine, etc.), and all the sales people look at me like on from the Moon (which my parents claim I'm not!)

Where can I source such an item? Thanks!

Joe Carlin

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2003 : 22:56:53

Hi Joe,
You have a problem which I have been trying to solve for a while.

According to Lindsey at Catalina direct there used to be a manufacturer in England who used to make a connector, but no longer do. She has been looking for one for Catalina Direct to sell but can't find one.

what I did was to take a cable through my rooftop next to the mast, put on a connector, and used one of those waterproof cable clams to seal up the cabin roof. It does suck, but that's the best I could come up with. I also found a VHF end cap which I put on the cable when I'm trailering to keep it clean. I clean the contacts with CRC electrical cleaner, and applay Ancor grease.

I would like to hear of better suggestions myself

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR

Edited by - on

jncarlin
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2003 : 23:00:41

Hi Frank -

Does that mean that you have to pull the cable completely out every time you take the mast down (and re-install it when the mast is stepped)? I'm wondering if Radio Shack has an answer (and boy, do I have problems!!!)

Joe Carlin

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2003 : 00:38:25

Joe,
<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>what I did was to take a cable through my rooftop next to the mast, put on a connector, and used one of those waterproof cable clams to seal up the cabin roof.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>That's the method I use too.
<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Does that mean that you have to pull the cable completely out every time you take the mast down (and re-install it when the mast is stepped)?<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>No. There's a connector in the coax cable just inside the cabin under the CableClam (or whatever it's called). Part of the cable stays in the mast with just a foot or two hanging out near the base. The other part of the cable stays in the cabin routed behind things from your radio to the underside of the deck near the mast.

To connect or remove the antenna cable, first unscrew the cable connector in the head comparment near where the cable comes through the deck. Then there are four small machine screws to remove above deck. Those screws hold down a retainer ring that compresses a tapered rubber cork with a slit down its side and a coax sized hole down its middle. I throw all the loose parts in a zipper baggy to keep track of them while the mast is down.

-- Leon Sisson

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2003 : 09:25:19

that's not how I did it Leon,

I have the connector outside. I know that in a few years I'll probably have to replace it, but that's why I keep it lubed.

If your cabin roof is not too thick, and I think ours is, you can get a straight connector made to go through a bulkhead. It is female/female and looks like a pipe nipple. I haven't found any long enough for us to use yet (Female, nipples, I guesse you know where my mind is this morning)

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR

Edited by - on

77Gypsy
Captain

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USA
356 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2003 : 12:21:09

i'll try to desribe my system the best i can without a picture.

i have the wire going down through the mast from the antenna. it exits the mast right before the deck. there i have a male coaxial connecter on the end of it. then i have another coaxial cable with a male end on it under the deck right next to where the mast step is. that wire leads to the radio.

through the deck i drilled a hole and put in a male to male adapter.

now i can easily disconnect it for lowering the mast, changing the antenna, changingh the radio, whetever. i don't have to re-wire.

the only problem i do have is not being able to hear the radio from the cockpit. before i start wiring some speaker there, i use a handheld VHF i bought for emergencies.

Steve
78 C25 SR/FK - Gypsy
<img src="http://www.websdf.com/logo.jpg" border=0>

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RoofRoof
Navigator

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USA
186 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2003 : 13:17:06

Yeah, I used a double ended male to male. It was just barely long enough to work. I stuck it thru the deck so now I can disconnect the cable either from the base of the mast (top of deck) or in the head area. Works perfectly.

Edited by - on

jsummerfield
1st Mate

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USA
96 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2003 : 13:27:38

Radio Shack or many radio parts houses should have a bulkhead coaxial connector that could mount flat against the hull fastened by four screw. You might have to make-up the soldered termination through the hole, test it, then goop the hole with marine RTV and screw the connector to the hull. I think that such connectors are available with a cap and chain for use when disconnected. I would expect the chain to break off so just stow the cap in the galley drawer.

John

Edited by - on

steephen
Navigator

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100 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2003 : 20:37:41

I also ran the cable down the mast, exited, and put on a male no-solder compression coupling. Ran another wire through the roof, through a hole exactly the size of the radio wire, and ran that wire to the radio. On the roof I put a male coupling, just like the one coming down from the mast. Then I got a female/female, and put that in the middle of the two males (I'm over 18) at the base of the mast. Just unthread that when you take the stick down. I'm new at this, but it seems to work fine.
Stephen Z

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jncarlin
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2003 : 22:11:46

Stephen-

Where did you get the male no-solder and female/female connectors? I checked and see that Shakespeare offers the male no-solder - did you get it from a boating supply store or any other place?

Joe Carlin

Edited by - on

77Gypsy
Captain

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USA
356 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2003 : 04:29:10

i know west marne sells quite a few parts for that type of setup.

Steve
78 C25 SR/FK - Gypsy
<img src="http://www.websdf.com/logo.jpg" border=0>

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steephen
Navigator

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100 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2003 : 15:32:32

Joe:

I got them at Hamilton Marine up here in Maine (1-800-639-2715), but I think most good boat stores should have them. I don't know the part number. You thread the sleeve over the wire, roll on an O-ring, force the cable into the end of the fitting, crimp it closed, roll the O-ring up against the fitting, and thread the parts together. The female/female for in between is about an inch long.
Now I see them in West Marine. 1-800 262-8464
Male Connectors: # PL-259 But I don't see the female.

SZ

Edited by - on

jncarlin
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2003 : 23:14:32

Thanks to all of you.....I found the Shakespeare male no-solder connector at my local boat supply store, and decided to pull the cable thru the cabin top without a splice (if and when I take the mast down, I'll cut the cable - there is ample cable left - and make the splice with the female to female adapter then). The male no-solder connector is a breeze to put together, and I am all set!!!!

Joe Carlin

Edited by - jncarlin on 07/07/2003 23:15:16

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