Antenna deck connector problem

[guydickinson]

Had to bin a rotton deck connector which took the cable from the mast and connected it to the next section below deck - a sort of screw on fitting with rubber boot. Having trouble finding a replacement. Any ideas? Or should one use one of those deck glands with rubber centres and connect the cables below the deck? Thanks.

 

[vyv_cox]

Over the years I have had numerous problems with on-deck connectors, other than Dri-plugs and even they have their moments. Some have leaked and corroded within days of being installed.

All of my mast cables now go through deck glands and are connected below deck, where a simple and cheap chocolate block is perfectly adequate for all except the VHF coax cable. My mast has been taken down several times with this arrangement and it is the work of only a few minutes to break and make the connections.

 

[cliff]

Dri-plug. Had them for years and no problems. Only thing is make sure you have a good seal between the cable and the plug (sikaflex?) and a smear of vaseline on the inners and round the "O" ring does not go amiss.

 

[SwedishLass]

I favour the swan's neck approach which means the cable is not cut. However I am assuming the cable is already cut to the bottom of mast. However to help searching a good set of piccies of different fittings here

 

[RestlessL]

Having had plugs kicked out, and cables tripped over and pulled from their connectors by careless crew, I have now gone for the simple mushroom fitting (here) for my through deck connections at the mast foot. All the cables are securely fastened to the deck, and the feed-through packed with sealant. There is a simple box on the inside with all connections.

Nothing to trip on, pull out or get in the way.

John

 

[guydickinson]

Thanks everyone - very helpful! Wish I'd done this earlier!!!!
Guy