JayBee
Member
I am about to upgrade my VHF installation with a Metz antenna and RG-8X co-ax, which is somewhat heavier and a lot less "lossy" than the usual RG-58, normally found on yachts. The connection to the antenna and the set will be by PL259 plugs, supplied already fitted to the co-ax. My (not unusual) problem is that I will need to cut the cable close to the mast heel, but under the deck, and need to find a suitable means of re-connection.
The first option is to use two more PL259s with a PL263 short connector. I don't like this, as it requires the soldering of two plugs in a confined space and leaves me with a bulky connector to pass though a gland at the mast foot when I step/unstep the mast. I also don't want to make this connection externally.
On a previous boat I had success with much smaller 50 ohm crimp/crimp bnc connectors for this job, for which I have a ratchet tool with the correct dies. I have spent half a day trying to source these connectors without success. They are common across the pond, but the nearest I have got to a UK supplier is Digi-Key, who have a minimum order of 10 units and an extended stock surcharge of £10, plus carriage, VAT and so on , for a total of over 30 quid. I only need one plug and one jack.
If anyone knows where I can find these as stock items in the UK, I would be very pleased to hear about it, or alternatives. The Amphenol part numbers are 11253 (plug) and 112605 (jack).
The first option is to use two more PL259s with a PL263 short connector. I don't like this, as it requires the soldering of two plugs in a confined space and leaves me with a bulky connector to pass though a gland at the mast foot when I step/unstep the mast. I also don't want to make this connection externally.
On a previous boat I had success with much smaller 50 ohm crimp/crimp bnc connectors for this job, for which I have a ratchet tool with the correct dies. I have spent half a day trying to source these connectors without success. They are common across the pond, but the nearest I have got to a UK supplier is Digi-Key, who have a minimum order of 10 units and an extended stock surcharge of £10, plus carriage, VAT and so on , for a total of over 30 quid. I only need one plug and one jack.
If anyone knows where I can find these as stock items in the UK, I would be very pleased to hear about it, or alternatives. The Amphenol part numbers are 11253 (plug) and 112605 (jack).