Q: How long should the VHF cable last?

[very_moody]

On our last boat the VHF Coaxial Cable copper braiding oxidised. Since oxide does not conduct electricity the cable failed and had to be replaced after 8 years of use.
Symptom - Very poor VHF reception .

I inspected the VHF Cable on our current boat and found this Coaxial Cable has also oxidised and needs replacing. This cable is no more than 5 years old!!!!!!

Q: How long should VHF Coaxial Cable last and is it not time the suppliers started using “tinned” braiding?


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[Chris_Stannard]

It sounds as though your boat was fitted with standard domestic co-axial cable as opposed to marine grade which is more expensive. Be careful though as it may be that the connectors are the problem, they usually are, and that if you cut about an inch off the cable you may find it is just the end that has oxodised.

<hr width=100% size=1>Chris Stannard

 

[snowleopard]

it will last forever if you can exclude moisture (not easy). once moisture wicks into the braid you will lose all tx power, even before corrosion sets in.

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[David2452]

If it looks a bit dodgy replace with anchor brand or similar with SS braid

David

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[colvic]

Two points to rectify;
1) When you wire the co-ax to the plug ensure that the gland is really secure and put a small amount of sealant round the cable before screwing the gland home.
2) A touch of silicone grease on the threads of the socket, both radio and deck fitting, before screwing the plug into them should help ensure a moisture proof connection there as well.

Phil

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[Birdseye]

moisture entering the gap between the outer cover and the inner dielectric alters the impedance, and degrades performance significantly. the outer insulation is impervious so if the ends are properly watertight, the cable should last almost indefinitely whatever the type of braid wire used, conversely, if the ends are not watertight then the cable performance will degrade whatever the braid wire used. problem is most probably the joint of your aerial to the cable.

a minor bit of surface oxidation will not harm aerial performance. my ssb aerial is bare copper wire, well matured in salty air , and works perfectly ok.

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[Gunfleet]

Re: surface oxidation

<<a minor bit of surface oxidation will not harm aerial performance>> I don't doubt you're right about this (evidence of your own eyes and all that) but I wonder if anyone knows why is it so? The rf travels on the surface of the cable, doesn't it?

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[VicS]

I think you should be cautious about the use of sealants, at least the single pack silicone types as they produce ethanoic (acetic) acid as they cure which may just cause some corrosion itself. A light smear of silicone grease on the gland and other mating surfaces will do no harm and is very water repellant.

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[johnsomerhausen]

I've never heard of stainless braid but here in the USA, the better quality VHF wire has a tinned braid (and tinned central conductor) which has a much longer life
john

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