Adding an SO-239 connector to an old VHF antenna?

[GTom]

I have an old VHF antenna with integrated RG58 cable which was eaten by corrosion over the years and considering its 22m length weakens the signal significantly. I was wondering if the antenna without the cable could be reused? I have a nice new glomex ra109sls waiting to be installed but the old one could serve as a separate AIS antenna.

 

[Sea-Fever]

An issue with this, perhaps, is that you would have to have a join at the top of the mast.

 

[GTom]

"Fortunately" (actually not, but anyway) the mast is down. This gave me the idea to overhaul the aging VHF.

 

[Sea-Fever]

Yes but surely at some point you will put it back up, at which point there will still be a join at the top of the mast.

 

[Sea-Fever]

Sorry couldn't resist that.

 

[GTom]

Just checked my picures, it's a Communication Aerials (Westbury) unit, length is about 0.9m. I am not aware that someone disassembled one and published on youtube or any website.

 

[Sea-Fever]

Is your suggestion to re-use your existing antenna on the pushpit? Not sure what type of vessel you have....

 

[GTom]

sailboat, the antenna would join the radar on its pole on the stern, bit higher than the pushpit.

 

[Sea-Fever]

Ok, so the same rule applies really, in that a connection at the antenna isn't particularly desirable unless it can be adequately protected from moisture ingress...various options but proper self-amalgamating tape is commonly used.

Perhaps you might be considering making the join a bit further away from the foot of the antenna inside the mounting pole?

 

[GTom]

It's more the "where to solder what?" part which I am interested in. I have yet to see if I can open the mast base without damaging it for starters. Actually if the internals allow, I'd solder an rg213 directly in place of the rg58.

 

[Sea-Fever]

Ah I get you, unfortunately i have no knowledge of your specific antenna. Good luck with it.

 

[MikeCC]

Communication Aerials were the original makers of VTronix antennas before Shakespeare bought them. I had an old one that had a short tail and a BNC connector at masthead. No idea if it was original or a previous owner fix.
Most new antennas connect the cable into the base with a screw in clamp of some sort depending on make. Some are hardwired/moulded in. Not many 'consumer' antennas are designed to take RG213, so you'd need an adapter at antenna end.
But for the modest cost of a new antenna, I would go for certainty.