aerial plug identification

[Phoenix of Hamble]

While fitting a new VHF recently, I used the existing aerial, which has a 'normal' vhf radio connector on it (which I am led to believe is a PL/SO259?)...

However, I have a second aerial up the mast, and discovered the end of the cable behind the switching'electrical panel.... it has a different connector on it....

Its female, the sort of the size of a normal TV connector, but threaded, and has the core of the coax forming a central pin.... any idea what sort of connector it is?... and what it might have been used for?

Obviously, i'm thinking here of a secondary VHF aerial, a potential AIS aerial, or possibly a TV aerial!... but would need to either change the connector, or source an adaptor...

 

[earlybird]

Sounds a bit like an "F" connector, though I've only seen them on DAB radio aerials and, I think, on satellite TV aerials, but not VHF.

 

[iangrant]

thats an f series

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

just looked up F connector on Wikipedia, and it does look about right......

If it is that, then I can't possibly think what it would have been used for!

 

[shmoo]

Like this but with coax in the middle?

<edit> hit submit too soon
If so Glomex entertainment VHF/TV flying saucer antennas come with these on the end

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Yup!.... so i'd need a F series to Coax adaptor, and i could use it as a TV aerial!!!!

 

[shmoo]

Added as edit, but for completeness here is in-line

My guess is the boat had a Glomex entertainment antenna at the masthead at some stage.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Might have...

these are the two current protuberances...

Which I am assuming is the VHF aerial

and

which I assume is what the other cable runs to.... no idea what it is though....

 

[Eygthene]

If you need to source an adaptor, you will find an F socket to UHF plug (to attach it to your ship's VHF set) here http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/Cable,+Wire+&+Connectors/Connectors+-+Adaptors+(Inter-Series)/UNBRANDED/JR6715/displayProduct.jsp?
sku=CN05275&_requestid=197009
and for the other adaptor you mentioned to adapt F to fit the TV aerial socket here
http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/Cable,+Wire+&+Connectors/Connectors+-+Adaptors+(Inter-Series)/UNBRANDED/JR6235/displayProduct.jsp?sku=AP01797&_requestid=197182
Each adaptor is priced at under £1, but CPC charge a handling fee of £5.95 for small orders, which covers p&p.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Thanks John,

Thats much appreciated...

I guess its worth ordering the two for less than a tenner on the chance that its not an F type plug!

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Just had a look at the back of my satellite TV box and disconnected the dish cable... if thats a F socket, then it might be a tiny bit smaller than the connector I have..... will have to pay more attention at the weekend!

 

[Salty John]

The first picture is your VHF antenna; the second could be a VHF stub antenna being used for AIS, in which case it would have either a BNC or possibly a TNC on the end. It could also be an FM antenna, but that would have a simple push fit pin like you have on your car aerial to radio connection. could also be Navtex or even an old Loran antenna!

 

[BlueSkyNick]

For chrissakes leave it to the techies !!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Salty John]

Of course, it could be a cellular phone antenna.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

in which case I guess it would be an SMA connector?

 

[Salty John]

Nope. Type N.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Navtex?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[earlybird]

AFAIK, N connectors never use the co-ax centre conductor as a central pin. That is a feature of the F type

 

[Haven't-a-Clue]

Sorry for a bit of Fred Drift here, but I've just been reading January PBO test on H/H VHF and I saw something about getting better range by using an extended/external ariel. Does anyone here know of such a thing that could be attatched to a Standard Horizon HX270E, currently fitted with the standard 'rubber duck'? Ta in advance.