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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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UHF RADIO CABLE MONEY SAVER

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frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/25/2003 : 00:08:46

I was in Radio Shack yesterday to pick up some RG8X cable to install my antenna and radio in the new boat. Radio Shack's cable has always been much cheaper than the Evil Empire. They of-course do not carry it anymore. However I met a HAM radio operator who informed me that I should use RG6 for a better impedence match over long distances. This cable was designed for the small dish satellite systems. He use to use 8X until this cable came on the market. So I asked them if they had any in stock. They gave me a install kit for the small dish with 100 feet plus a bunch of other stuff I will not use on the boat, but most important was the whole kit cost $14.95. Lets see that is .15 per foot vs .89 per foot for 8X. He also told me it was meant for underground use so it should last for at least 10 years.

Frog and The General

C250, Pretty Penny II, #743
FLEET 25
Coronado 15, M-Cube, #3316

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2003 : 15:20:50

this is interesting news.
One of my winter projects is to rewire my mast, and to install a mast mounted antenna.
Can you mount a Shakespeare VHF antenna end on this cable? This is one of the no solder ends. I haven't been able to successfully solder an Ancor end on VHF cable without melting it.
How are you going to put ends on your cable?
Thanks

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frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2003 : 21:16:46

My antenna is a 3 foot steel base loaded whip. It requires a PL-259 connector to be attached. The one problem is Radio Shack does not carry a reducer for the RG6 cable. So I just drilled out 2 RG58 reducers to fit and then filed it with a rat tail file. Works great. If you are melting your connectors you must be using a gun to solder it. Get a pencil soldering iron, it is meant for use on electronic components. It heats slow, but most important it is the right temp for rosin core solder, a gun is to hot and if you are not careful you melt things.

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2003 : 22:01:05

If wanting to do a good job with putting PL259 connectors on... the first rules is DON'T use any radio shack nickel plated connectors. Two reasons, 1. nickel plated connectors don't solder very well... silver plated solder easy and well. 2. A good brand of connector like amphenol will have teflon dielectric which melts at a much higher temperature than radio shack plastic.

Go to the local electronics emporium and plop your money down and save the aggravation.

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Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2003 : 23:06:30

Surfing on a TV, with a remote keyboard (no mouse just arrow buttons)in a hotel in Atlanta...finally got a pillow as a suport for the keyboard so it's aimed just right...maybe I'll start shlepping the laptop with me again. Anyway.....regarding this subject, what is the best way to put an fm antenna up....just use automotive on a bracket somewhere? Connect it with the standard coax? Or is there a better way
Oscar..

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Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2003 : 23:07:29

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frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2003 : 23:35:08

I don't know were your radio is located, but in my C25 it was mounted in the bulkhead aft of the head. It came with about 4 feet of antenna that plug into the radio. The other end I strip off about 1 and 1/2" put a flat washer on one of the upper shroud chain plate bolts, rapped the strip wire around the bolt added another washer and nut. That 32 feet of shroud makes one great diapole antenna. It also makes a good SSB antenna.

Edited by - frog0911 on 10/25/2003 23:37:12

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 10/26/2003 : 00:27:59

Thank you Frog......!The radio is mounted in the forward part of the galley cabinet.I have some coax cable and I can run it to the back stay......I like no $$$ solutions.

Oscar, still in Atlanta.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 10/26/2003 : 09:48:53

Do you mean you connected the core of the coax to the shroud or do you mean that you connected the core and the shield to the shroud?

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frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 10/26/2003 : 22:34:12

Frank, just connected the core not the shield.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.