VHF Radio Connector

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walterv

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I was having a problem with the VHF, upon further investigation found that while taking a VSWR check, if I moved the cable a certain way, the SWR jumped off the map. Thinking either a break in the cable by the connector or a bad connector.

So figuring on cutting the cable back and putting another connector on.

I assume a solder type of connection is best?
Next, I see a bunch of different connectors, which is the best?

This is a PL259 connector correct?

Walter
 
Many newer antennas come with a smaller connector so that the cable can be routed thru the boat and then there is an adapter you may want to check to make sure it is not just loose at the connector. If you find it is truly a bad end I wound solder anew one on. This said I have been meaning to made a small extension for my cable with is two feet short of reaching my radio. I hope to get to this one of these days.
 
Whatever you do, DO NOT use the solderless type; they are crap!
 
quote:
Originally posted by sugilbert

Whatever you do, DO NOT use the solderless type; they are crap!

Click to expand...


No, they definitely are not.

If you use the gold-plated Centerpin PL-258-CP-G, are careful to crimp the teeth just a little at a time all the way around and around again so they all dig in evenly, and apply a little dielectric grease to the square-cut cable end and jacket that will be under the connector before starting the process, these connectors are way, way easier and faster to install than the solder type and just as reliable (maintaining low 1.2-1.5 VSWR) over time, IMO .

The solder type is of course very good if done perfectly, which does not happen very often with those with little or infrequent experience soldering on the PL-259's.

Including the connector at the VHF black box plus the 2 PL-259 on either side of a PL-258 splice connector at the base of my necessarily removable VHF antenna, my antenna cable has 3 of the Centerpin solderless connectors and still tests under 1.5 VSWR after more than 10 years. The "splice" connection on top of the tower stand does get re-wrapped with white self-amalgamating ("Rescue")tape at the beginning of each season to protect the connection from salt spray and rain.
 
I've used to solderless type on 2 different boats with no problems.
 
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