RG58 Coax Socket

[LadyInBed]

I need to extend my radio arial coax which terminates in a RG58 Plug (TNC ??).
I have searched RS and Maplins, but the pics are crap so I can't identify the socket that I need. Can anyone help?
Or do I have to use another Plug and join them with a Female/Female adapter?


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[G8KMH]

RG58 is the co-ax type. You probably have a PL259 (also known as UHF) plug on the end of it, something about 15mm across - a TNC is much smaller. Depending on how well made the existing connection is, it may be better to cut it off and use a better quality connector set for the extension piece and a new PL259 for connection to the radio. Otherwise use an SO239 free socket and a new PL259. The SO239 free socket is RS part 257-2945.
Regards,
Lehane


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[oldgit]

If you are doing this on the boat prob best to stick to the good old fashioned pl259 which even the most ham fisted raggie can handle.You may even be a able to go into any cheapo place still selling CB stuff and ask for a double female connector for the thin cable.Cost about 1-2 quid.
Them TNC are a pain to fit/solder without correct crimp tools and the solder versions are worse,the bit better loss numbers are not worth the grief and expense

<hr width=100% size=1>Stupid place to leave an island anyway......

 

[LadyInBed]

Order is in, fingers crossed it's the right one, as you can't tell a thing from the picture and no measurments on the data sheet.
Thanks

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[MainlySteam]

It will likely be either a BNC (not TNC) which is a push on and a part turn locks it connector and it will fit right on RG58, or a PL259 as G8KMH has said and which is larger and screws on. If using PL259/SO239 as G8KMH explains, then you will need also to buy a reducer to fit over the coaxial cable as they are made for the larger RG8/213/etc sized cable, not RG58/59/etc.

If a PL259 I recommend getting an experienced person to solder it on else you are likely to end up with a mess as soldering the coax braid requires alot of heat applied quickly. However, using a reducer one can get away without soldering the braid to it as it will be captured between the reducer and the 259's body but is not recommended in a marine atmosphere. If a BNC either get someone to show you how they go together or look for instructions on the internet. BNC come in crimp and solder on types - I suggest that you get the solder one if you do not have the proper crimping tool.

Coaxial cables are traditionally made up with identical sex connectors (M for PL259, F for BNC) each end and you join cables with a barrel connector which is F/F for PL259 and M/M for BNC connectors.

John

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[G8KMH]

The RS part number quoted for the free SO239 is for small diameter cables, such as RG58/U (URM43/76), so it should be fine, assuming you have PL259 on the end or your existing cable. It will require soldering. The similar PL259 for small diameter cables is RS 420-8264. I'd also say you can find them much cheaper elsewhere, for example Nevada in Portsmouth or pretty much any amateur(ham) radio dealer.

What radio (mfr/model) does it plug in to?

Lehane


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[MainlySteam]

Am not familiar with the RS Electronics PL259's but if a reducer is not needed (ie the body of the plug fits RG58/59 cable) then the ones I am familar with are all crimp fittings which are difficult to fit without a crimping tool. Whereas the reducing adapter ones are soldered.

I would be interested in which of crimp or solder the RS ones are.

John

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[G8KMH]

Assuming they haven't changed manufacturers or design recently....

These connectors have braid fittings much closer to a BNC, etc. Still a solder job for the inner though.

Lehane


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[Guest]

I extended my VHF antennae lead with BNC to male/male to BNC ..... The plugs had screw terminals so no soldering etc. Because they were designed originally for PC Network cables - I liberally smeared vaseline over them before connecting then taped the whole assembly up. They were outside just before the cable entered the mast .......
5 yrs later sold the boat and it was still working fine !!! If joint is inside boat - even better !

I know that I will be shot for the above as I didn't use the correct bits - but it worked !!!! Similar to my extended GPS power and data set-up using telephone cable and telephone socket .... but thats for later and my other post !!!


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ... and of course Yahoo groups :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

 

[MainlySteam]

Hi Nigel

Interesting - how was the centre pin attached (and did they come from a caravan shop - no, ignore that, cheeky /forums/images/icons/smile.gif).

I don't think I have ever seen ones where the centre pin is not either crimped or soldered (the body is always screwed in onto the braid or crimped, of course).

They are not designed for outside, as you say, but self amalgamating tape is great stuff, and BNC is much easier to attach than the PL259's are (and which are also not designed for exposed connections, but usually are so used).

Regards

John

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[LadyInBed]

Connector arrived this morning. RS part # spot on - many thanks.

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[Guest]

centre drops out of the surrounding ring and has a small screw set into the plastic section ..... very similar to the idea in TV antennae plugs.

I got them out in Saudi originally - but then saw them in Maplins ....

As to whether still available - no idea ??


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ... and of course Yahoo groups :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

 

[MainlySteam]

Thanks Nigel.

I have never seen (and perhaps never hope too /forums/images/icons/smile.gif) nor heard of them, so have learnt something.

John

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[Guest]

Nowadays ....

I have crimpers anyway - as I make up PC Network cables etc.

Honest the screw type work very well and are so easy .... just finding 'em now !!


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ... and of course Yahoo groups :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/