VHF Antenna connector/cabling

[_monkey]

I've fitte a new VHF antenna - Procom MA 2-1 SC - and I also need new connectors and cable.

I've mounted the antenna atop the A-frame in the hole used by the old V-Tronix unit.

I'm trying to identify a PL-259 connector, which has a suitable IP rating to prevent water ingress/corrosion - can I get a recomendation please?

[GuyC]

I've searched for marine type PL259 connectors - either stainless or IP rated and came up with a blank. I'm going to wrap mine with self-amalgamating tape.

If you do find some, please post.

[boristhebold]

Why not just use the gold of connector, good quality and better performance than the regular connectors, I ran a lentgh of good quality VHF cable through from console into rear transom area and fitted a suitable bracket with a connector end, then from A frame ran a cable through A frame into rear transom area which then conncets into the connector. That way if aerial ever damaged I just needed to replace aerial and cable through to transome rather than the entire length from console. Has worked fine for may years.

[boristhebold]

PL-259-G Connector | Shakespeare Marine Antennas

[boristhebold]

PL-258-L-G Adaptor Connector | Shakespeare Marine Antennas

[GuyC]

Thanks for that - I should have searched for gold and not stainless!

One think for the OP to be aware of is that the PL-259 connectors come in a number of flavours depending on the cable used. I think bog standard is RG-58. There is also RG-8, RG-8X and RG-213 at least. They are different diameters so the plugs are different.

[_monkey]

Originally Posted by GuyC

Thanks for that - I should have searched for gold and not stainless!

One think for the OP to be aware of is that the PL-259 connectors come in a number of flavours depending on the cable used. I think bog standard is RG-58. There is also RG-8, RG-8X and RG-213 at least. They are different diameters so the plugs are different.

Thanks Guy - what influences the cable selection - is it cable length?

[GuyC]

I think it is signal loss and the length of cable. I bought a couple of Metz antenna from Saltyjohn, one for AIS and one for VHF and he recommended RG8x. I've yet to try it in anger so I can't comment on its effectiveness and Saltyjohn is in the process of retiring.

My brief Googling on the subject at the time suggested for the length I was doing, which is about 7m, there wasn't much to choose from for the various cable types.

https://www.asap-supplies.com/electr...na-accessories

[boristhebold]

I once had a normal rib type of aerial, the short curly type with normal connectors and cable, when I did a refit I used good quality cable and gold type connectors and a 1.2M decent shakespeare aerial, I was able to pick up VHF from my home near ringwood, a good 15 miles from the coast. Could also pick up alot more french speaking than before when out on the water, which would make me think it was a decent setup.

[_monkey]

The Shakespeare connectors are easily obtainable, but anything other than RG58 - sold by the metre - is not so easy to locate (assuming tinned is required).

I've ordered two of the Shakespeare connectors and I've found tinned RG58. My cable run should be around 7M.

At this time, I've not found a boot/housing to prevernt water ingress so I'll use the self-amalgamating tape.

SaltyJohn has now retirted!

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by _monkey

The Shakespeare connectors are easily obtainable, but anything other than RG58 - sold by the metre - is not so easy to locate (assuming tinned is required).

I've ordered two of the Shakespeare connectors and I've found tinned RG58. My cable run should be around 7M.

At this time, I've not found a boot/housing to prevernt water ingress so I'll use the self-amalgamating tape.

SaltyJohn has now retirted!

I have a couple of Procomm antennae on the A frame. The coax plug is inside the base of the quick release mounting bracket. I used self amalgamating tape to seal the connections. No problems after 5 years.

[_monkey]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I have a couple of Procomm antennae on the A frame. The coax plug is inside the base of the quick release mounting bracket. I used self amalgamating tape to seal the connections. No problems after 5 years.
Attachment 133256

The mount looks very robust - what make is it?

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by _monkey

The mount looks very robust - what make is it?

Procomm
iirc it’s a marifix 1 with the extension tube. I got it all from Icom HQ in Kent. Speak to Sam who is a top bloke & also a fellow Ribnobbur.

https://amphenolprocom.com/products/...ifix-2-adt-mbs

[Obsidian]

Does anyone use Pacific Seamaster Pro to get around this problem?