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Rick D
RO# 32381
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 Posted - Jun 06 2012 : 08:08:29
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Hello all.
I installed a flush mount VHF radio as my previous gimbal mounted unit had died. The new location comes up about a foot away from where the current antenna cable ends. I hope to find some slack somewhere in the run to make the 1 foot... but if I don't, what is the best way to extend the existing cable by a foot or so without losing performance?
Thanks,
--Rick
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| 1997 Larson Cabrio 310 |
Homeport: Guilford, CT
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Billylll
RO# 24494
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Posted - Jun 06 2012 : 08:33:09
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Get a radio shop to supply you with a double female S0239 connector and make you a 1-2 foor jumper with either RG-58 or RG-8X installing male PL-259 connectors on both sides.
Some Radio Shacks carry 3' RG58 pre assembled cables with P259 coonectors and the mating double SO-239 double female adapters.
Bill
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WirelessOne,
40 Mainship
Sedan Bridge
Little Egg, N.J. |
Edited by - Billylll on Jun 06 2012 12:43:30 |
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Homeport: Tuckerton, N.J.
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chriscraft67
RO# 12563
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Posted - Jun 07 2012 : 10:35:24
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I'm not crazy about the stuff from Radio Shack but if that's all that's available, guess you have to go with it.
The "radio shop" alternative that Billy mentioned might just be a shop that sells and services amateur radio equipment. They'd probably make up a very good quality RG-8X extension for you while you waited and the PL-259/SO-239 connectors will be put on right, not crimped.
73
Bill
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Homeport: Norwich, CT
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Billylll
RO# 24494
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Posted - Jun 07 2012 : 11:03:46
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Properly crimped RF connectors really have no advantage over soldered RF connectors at VHF frequencies. A two way or amateur radio shop might your best bet. I thnk West M might carry an 18" extension for VHF radio installations.
Bill
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WirelessOne,
40 Mainship
Sedan Bridge
Little Egg, N.J. |
Edited by - Billylll on Jun 07 2012 15:47:45 |
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Homeport: Tuckerton, N.J.
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Sandy
RO# 1159
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Posted - Jun 07 2012 : 14:25:27
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If you install the splice connectors at the antenna end, properly sealed with a bit of dielectric grease and white self-amalgamating tape, it can make future antenna removal for shrinkwrap if desired, or replacement, much easier. That's how mine is set up now.
Unfortunately , in this case of original cable being too short, the whole main length would have to be shuffled to reach the radio. That could be easy or difficult depending on yur installation.
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| Sandy |
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Homeport: The Vineyard
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Rick D
RO# 32381
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Posted - Jun 09 2012 : 21:08:16
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Hey all. Thanks for the advice on the radio cable extension... my new radio is working fine. Radio Shack... that place was useless as the staff are completely clueless.
Went over to WM found a 3 foot extension cable with a double female connector... all set. Bit shocked at the price.... close to $40 for a 3 foot cable? Wow.
--Rick
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| 1997 Larson Cabrio 310 |
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Homeport: Guilford, CT
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Audrey II
RO# 30499
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Posted - Jun 09 2012 : 21:26:37
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That's because you bought it there! Half that would have been over priced but Radio Shack is no bargain either.
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Dave
I just wish common sense was a little more common.
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1996 440 Trojan Express
2008 Sea-Doo GTX Jet Ski sold |
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Homeport: Haverstraw, NY
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Billylll
RO# 24494
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Posted - Jun 09 2012 : 21:28:13
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That is inflation most cables are copper and the connectors have gold in them. The double female
SO-239 was probably $9.00 alone.
Each connector was $4.00 so $17.00 was connectors alone.
I'm glad you found a solution Rick. You should see the prices of #4/0 marine grade cable a foot and the lugs! I am redoing some fancy reconfiguration/rewiring and switching of the battery banks switching and cross connecting on my boat.
Talk about spending big $$$'s even though I have most of the cable and connectors.
Too bad you were not close I could have made the cable for you in a few minutes with probably higher quality cable and connectors from my spares.
Bill
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WirelessOne,
40 Mainship
Sedan Bridge
Little Egg, N.J. |
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Homeport: Tuckerton, N.J.
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© 2010 BoaterEd, Inc. |
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VHF Radio antenna cable extension
