Cutting Navtex antenna cable

[Gazza]

My cunning plan to put the NASA Navtex antenna on an arch over the stern has run into a problem. The tubing is too small in diameter to get the antenna plug into the tube and turned, let alone the sharp angle as it joins the main tubing.

It seems to me that the only solution is to cut off the plug, leaving me with just a cable to pull through. I've seen a two-part system which is then pushed together, using the original plug to go into the back of the unit.

However, this means two connections instead of one and as the connections are going to be the weak point, I'd prefer a single connection. I have a hazy recollection of doing one of these some years ago, with much cursing and fiddling.

Is there anything I haven't thought of that might make the job easier? Any thoughts/experience gratefully received.

 

[simonfraser]

use two plug system, wrap with self almalgamating tape.

 

[awol]

If it's the same as mine the connector is a common or garden tv-style co-ax. Go get one from Maplin. Just make sure there are no stray strands shorting the outer to the core.

 

[lw395]

The NASA navtex has a lot of the receiver circuit in the antenna, so the 'antenna' cable does not carry a sensitive radio signal, so any reasonable plug can be used.
Or just solder it and insulate.
Self amalgamating tape is a good call.
The dual channel antenna has a 2 core plus earth screen cable BTW. This goes to coax for the last bit from the channel switch to the box.