Best way to switch to RG213 VHF cable?

[GTom]

My rg58 cable has served its time, replacement is well overdue. Apparently no suppliers sell stainless masthead antenna kits with thicker cables. Maybe I am blind but can't fint a stainless whip with an N-type connector not to mention full kit with rg213 cable. Any idea how to proceed? Just use PL259 on the thick cable?

The old antenna seems to be in a good shape. However, I have to climb the mast again to figure if the cable is soldered on it or it has a connector.

 

[lw395]

You may find a modern cable which has lower loss than RG58 without being thicker.
You can get adapters between various series of connectors, you can get most connectors to fit most cables.
You can get PL259 plugs to fit various cables. You can also get good quality ones from e.g. Radiall which seal the cable properly.

There have been threads on here over the last year or two.
Sometimes it's worth buying a cable with the ends professionally fitted, often not an expensive service.

 

[Momac]

Not quite sure what you are looking for but maybe the following would be of interest. I had a couple of cables from them made up with connectors fitted at very reasonable cost - but it didn't have to go up a mast .
Coax (loose)

 

[Daverw]

The coax type and connection type have no baring on each other, it’s the frequency being used that defines which to use, for the frequency’s we use both are good however N type have a better connection area. ive just replaced RG58 with RG213 as I had a reel to hand and have N type at mast base and PL259 at top, just fitted a Metz antenna which is all stainless. I would always prefer to use a separate antenna and coax.
I fitted plug on coax before a went up and fitted both new antenna and fed coax down quite easily and then did N type on deck as this was easy and used waterproof silver plated one from local radio ham shop. ML&S Martin Lynch and Sons Ltd or Radio Communication Antennas and Accessories | Moonraker UK LTD are both good options now salty john has retired.

 

[GTom]

You may find a modern cable which has lower loss than RG58 without being thicker.
You can get adapters between various series of connectors, you can get most connectors to fit most cables.
You can get PL259 plugs to fit various cables. You can also get good quality ones from e.g. Radiall which seal the cable properly.

There have been threads on here over the last year or two.
Sometimes it's worth buying a cable with the ends professionally fitted, often not an expensive service.

Low-loss but thin cables tend to be foam insulated which is IMHO fragile for a yacht especially when the mast comes down every other year. Hence my preference towards the rg213. Good idea though to get the cable with fitted connectors!

Not quite sure what you are looking for but maybe the following would be of interest. I had a couple of cables from them made up with connectors fitted at very reasonable cost - but it didn't have to go up a mast .
Coax (loose)

Thank you, they are new to me, goes to the list of possible coax suppliers ?

The coax type and connection type have no baring on each other, it’s the frequency being used that defines which to use, for the frequency’s we use both are good however N type have a better connection area. ive just replaced RG58 with RG213 as I had a reel to hand and have N type at mast base and PL259 at top, just fitted a Metz antenna which is all stainless. I would always prefer to use a separate antenna and coax.
I fitted plug on coax before a went up and fitted both new antenna and fed coax down quite easily and then did N type on deck as this was easy and used waterproof silver plated one from local radio ham shop. ML&S Martin Lynch and Sons Ltd or Radio Communication Antennas and Accessories | Moonraker UK LTD are both good options now salty john has retired.

I wanted to get away without PL259 and go with N from the antenna to the VHF-kit, apparently I have to live with a PL259 at the antenna base if I want a stainless whip. Found some fiberglass antennas with type -N base though, but fiberglass looks a bit odd on the topside of a sailboat's mast...
Deck level is a good question, focusing on signal strength, the best would be one single cable from the antenna to the VHF-kit but I know the hassle I have to go trough with each stepping/unstepping if I want to keep the cables in one piece... This one would make life a lot easier:

 

[oldgit]

The loss between 58 and 213 is negligible over the sort of run likely to be found on a yacht.
The losses between PL 259 and "N" as above.
Any advantage of weather proofing of" N" over PL can be sorted with some judicious application of amalgamating tape.
Every inline adaptor including plugs and sockets ie. PL to "N" could lose you up to 3db.
The extra cost and difficulties of installing 213 on anyboat for a virtually undectable gain in radiated power is debatable.
Stick to good quality R58 or RG8 or 213.
The quality of RG58/8/213 varies wildy from decent stuff with lots of braid down to rubbish with virtually none.
Something from RS will always be good ,other sources and you could be taking chance.

 

[GTom]

The loss between 58 and 213 is negligible over the sort of run likely to be found on a yacht.
The losses between PL 259 and "N" as above.
Any advantage of weather proofing of" N" over PL can be sorted with some judicious application of amalgamating tape.
Every inline adaptor including plugs and sockets ie. PL to "N" could lose you up to 3db.
The extra cost and difficulties of installing 213 on anyboat for a virtually undectable gain in radiated power is debatable.
Stick to good quality R58 or RG8 or 213.
The quality of RG58/8/213 varies wildy from decent stuff with lots of braid down to rubbish with virtually none.
Something from RS will always be good ,other sources and you could be taking chance.

I have about 65'/20m between the masthead and the VHF-kit, that means approximately 3dB disadvantage for the rg58. The only place I might use an inline fitting is the deck level but I am inclined to skip that.
I wonder how the antennas with already mounted cables are made, do these kind have any loss between the antenna and the cable? Vtronix Whipflex | Force 4 Chandlery
If none/very little (<1dB), than the easiest way is to get one of these and I am about as good as connecting a separate rg213 to a standalone antenna.

 

[lw395]

....
Every inline adaptor including plugs and sockets ie. PL to "N" could lose you up to 3db.
...

Is that a 'politician's up to', where 0.05 is included in 'up to 3'?

You are right about undetectable gains in power.
A VHF link has over 100dB of dynamic range from the transmitter power to the receiver sensitivity.
Quibbling over whether 2dB or 3dB is allocated to your cable loss is missing the point,
Being sure that your cable is in good condition and not giving 30dB is more to the point.

Fatter cables are OK, but it's weight aloft and it's all void if you can't install them without tighter bends than the minimum spec'd.

Unfortunately the box-tickers in the world of racing have mandated low loss cable for taller masts effectively.