Replacing Aerials and cables on a Sadler 34

[oldestgit]

I am looking to scale the mast later this week weather permitting, to replace one or both of the aerials I have up there and all co-ax cabling. (She is wintering on a cradle on land)

I would ask has any one done it with the mast up and can I reasonably easily use the old cable as a pull through for the replacement probably RG58.

As a foot note any suggestions on the best replacement aerial types.
One is a Windex type the other a single stainless whip type (suitably apart), don't know as yet if they are soldered or screw up.

Many thanks….. Peter

 

[Gin]

When I bought a replacement mast last year the Selden agents said not to replace the combined wind vane/ vhf aerial as they tended to shake violently at times and eventually fall apart.

They recommended mounting Windex and aerial separately- so I did

 

[Salty John]

Don't use RG58, it is really only for very short distances; use RG8X which is also small diameter and similarly priced but with significantly better performance.
Get an aerial that has an SO239 socket to accept a PL259 plug on the end of the cable, the same connection as at the radio end. This allows you to disconnect the aerial for removal or replacement without having to also remove all the cable.
A stainless steel whip will provide protection from bird strikes, weather, corrosion etc.
I declare a commercial interest - we are the European distributors for the Metz.

 

[alistairedw]

I helped a friend of mine to do this job on his Sadler 34. All went well until the end of the new cable was almost at the bottom of the mast.

Unfortunately the knot in the string connecting the two cables 'untied itself' and we were unable to complete the job.


Make sure you connect the two cables very securely! Good luck.

 

[oldestgit]

Many thanks for that John.

I didnt know about the RG8X and may well be buying from you again.

Thanks.. Peter

 

[vyv_cox]

I replaced my aerial with the mast up about 10 years ago. No problems whatsoever, but I know that if someone has done the job previously and taped two cables together at intervals you will find it much more difficult. I replaced the old one with a Windex type which has been there ever since. No problems with it.

 

[KRG]

I replaced my aerial and cable recently having suffered corroded cable and poor reception. I have to say that Salty John's Metz aerials are the business, coupled with the rg8x cable in a continuous run from the aerial to the set and soldered connectors. I'm now receiving Solent CG from Newhaven and Solent, also Portland and Brixham CG transmissions from a swinging mooring at the top of Chichester harbour (the mast is 11m).

To run the new cable using the old I stitched them together with whipping twine, end on, I then wrapped it with tape, not too much though and it resisted parting even with quite a bit of friction at times.

 

[DrBob]

I fully agree with Salty John even if he has a "self interest"

"Get an aerial that has an SO239 socket to accept a PL259 plug on the end of the cable, the same connection as at the radio end". - Spot on!

No self respecting licensed radio amateur would put up a vhf antenna with the sort of connectors that are sold today (push in wire and screw up). Minimum is an SO239 and a PL259. I dont know why people sell the rubbish that is on the market in the local chandlers. The push in type will just not last in the corrosive environment around a boat.

Pay the money and get the best - it will save a lot of future problems.

Dr Bob

 

[oldestgit]

Thanks Chaps:

Looks like its RG8X and a Metz Aerial.
Then lets find a quiet day.

Thanks... Peter