Any suggestions regards cutting and joining radar cable.

[oldgit]

My old radar screen and scanner are connected by at least 30ft of cable,we need about 5ft.
Want to cut out the surplus stuff and rejoin using some sort of 20 pin pref waterproof locking connector,sometimes need to remove the scanner completely in order to get under low bridges.
Have looked at Farnell and RS and pucker male /female plugs from them would double value of radar system.
Any suggestions ?

 

[dsw]

try MAPLIN as they have loads of types.

 

[smileygirl]

I'd be a little bit careful about shortening your radar cable. the radar operates at microwave frequencies and some of the electronic signals travelling in the wire will be very high speed. If you use inappropriate connectors you may stop the radar working even though all the wires are connected. At high frequencies there is more to a length of wire and what it's made of than you might expect. (I have a degree in electronics)

If you need to take the scanner down from time to time it might be better to try and coil the excess away in a roof space and when you want to move the scanner use the slack to put it some where safe. If you really want to use a shorter cable talk to the manufacturer they may have one available or may be make you one.

 

[oldgit]

Thanks for the input..Fred.

 

[BartW]

What make is your Radar ?
I have placed a 13pin connector on my Raymarine 18" Radar scanner.
I take the scanner off when I drive long distance with the boat on the trailer.
My Radar still works perfect with this connector,

It is a waterproof connector from my Business,

http://www.linkitaly.com/listProducts.asp?idGroup=4

it is also available in 25pin version
I have these connectors available
will make/post a picture of it.

 

[lw395]

Really depends on the cable.
Does it have coaxial cores as well as power and data?
You could possibly split the cable and join the coaxial cores with a suitable connector(s), then use multi pin types for the rest?
Composite connectors are hard to make up without the right tooling, generally.

 

[Stoaty]

These are what you need. I am sure you can handle the soldering.

 

[macnorton]

If you use connectors they must be gold plated, guess how i found that out /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[oldgit]

Thanks again for all input,have found a male/female 25 way water proof connector from Rapid electronics that will do the trick...just got to find my old soldering iron,file down the bit to point ,discover where the pot of flux went,light the gas cooker on the boat and work out a way of getting out of the galley and up onto the wheelbox roof one handed before the bit gets cold...only got to do 40 joints....