Hi,
I'm looking at replacing my in mast coax cable with tinned RG8x coax, I've been having some radio issues and the cabling is probably about 20 years old so looking at replacing. Does anyone know a good supplier for this?
Thanks
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'89 Macgregor 26D: Getaway
Hi Chris
The most frequent cause of VHF antenna problems is the connectors. Do you have a connector at the base of the mast into the deck? If so, that can be a major cause of issues. The ideal is to have a single uninterrupted piece of cable from aerial to VHF set. If you've got that then maybe it is just the cable.
Probably worth replacing cable that old anyway, but if you do have intermediate connectors pay as much attention to those, or if possible eliminate them.
Otherwise, I don't know of a specific supplier. I would just search the web, anything advertised as RG8x should be the same specification. It's even available on Amazon!
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Thanks Rick, yes I have a deck fitting at the base of the mast. It is the type that has connector to both sides. I was looking at replacing that first with a feed through that I can terminate properly inside the cabin to so I can at least eliminate one connector.
Chris
'89 Macgregor 26D: Getaway
One of the best solutions I've seen for an unbroken antenna feed involved running the cable down the backstay, then fed through a grommet into the aft berth area and forward to the radio.
With this arrangement you can lower the mast with the cable still connected. To completely remove the mast you take the antenna off the mast head and remove the ties holding the cable to the backstay. The antenna remains connected to the hull.
Worth a thought?
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight