Tinned RG213 cable

[Dunx]

Does anyone have any suggestions where to source tinned RG213 cable and appropriate PL259’s. Im going to replace our antenna with a Metz whilst the rig is down. The mast is about 20m plus about 5m in the boat. Previous threads suggest this is the correct spec of cable, is this still the way to go or has technology moved on?

 

[Moodysailor]

We recently replaced our VHF antenna and cable, and have a similar length as yours
The best compromise for price/quality I could find was Times LMR-240.
Unfortunately it isn't a tinned cable, but my research came to the conclusion that its best to use the right spec cable even if not tinned, rather than a smaller cable that is.
I put time and effort into finishing the cable ends, leaving plenty of service length and insulating those well. With non-tinned wire I should get at least 10-15 years, by which time I hope its someone else's responsibility ?

 

[Daverw]

We have RG213U which is not tinned, as the outer case is strong use crimped fittings and adhesive heat shrink and then self amalgamating tape and nothing will get in. The Metz we find a very good antenna just make sure you use quality connectors, go to Martin Lynch and Sons ML&S Martin Lynch and Sons Ltd for good fittings at sensible prices

 

[Rappey]

I was searching for lmr400 as its an equivalent to .. Found a manufacturer in portsmouth that was quite cheap.. Just spent 5 mins searching again but cant find them now... sry.
I ended up using rg214.. Its pricey as its silver plated and double insulated but the cable loss is nearly non existent.
My reception is amazing.
I think rg58 can be had for as little as 33p per metre.
rg213 is a little over £3 per metre
rg214 is over £10 per metre.

I used these type of connectors as claimed waterproof and better insulated

 

[Daverw]

Not sure how you however fit a N type to Metz which needs PL 259

 

[Gumpy]

Not sure how you however fit a N type to Metz which needs PL 259

With one of these?

PL259 UHF Male Plug to N Type Female Jack RF Connector Adapter 50Ohm to 1Ghz | eBay

 

[kwb78]

I would recommend M&P Ultraflex 7 instead of RG213. It’s lower loss and cheaper. We’ve been using it for a couple of seasons and it works very well.

Martin Lynch also does the appropriate decent quality connectors. Better still would be Hyperflex 10, which is slightly thicker but even lower loss.

 

[Daverw]

So your water proof n type becomes a standard PL259 with extra connections and losses, cannot see the point

 

[Gumpy]

So your water proof n type becomes a standard PL259 with extra connections and losses, cannot see the point

You asked a question I gave an answer

 

[Dunx]

Thanks everyone, some new leads for me to follow ?

 

[Rappey]

So your water proof n type becomes a standard PL259 with extra connections and losses, cannot see the point

Maybe I should have said a little more in my previous post.
I use a swan neck to exit cables. The plug in post 4 is what I used to join the mast cable to the interior cable.
The point of these type of plugs is their low db loss.

 

[mogmog2]

I would recommend M&P Ultraflex 7 instead of RG213. It’s lower loss and cheaper. We’ve been using it for a couple of seasons and it works very well.

Martin Lynch also does the appropriate decent quality connectors. Better still would be Hyperflex 10, which is slightly thicker but even lower loss.

Been looking around at better coax too. I felt that Martin Lynch's £11.95 postage for 18m cable was a bit steep, especially as it boldly states "estimated postage £5.95" on the cable page! It's £5.99 on Radioworld for the same. ?‍

 

[st599]

Nevada Radio (near Port Solent) also do lower loss alternatives and have some tinned marine versions.

Worth popping in to discuss.

 

[mogmog2]

Nevada Radio (near Port Solent) also do lower loss alternatives and have some tinned marine versions.

Worth popping in to discuss.

I thought I'd seen tinned RG213 (possibly with tinbed conductor) near the start of this rabbit hole, but I can't find it on their website. Mind you, their RG213/u is only £1 a metre less than LMR 400 from McGill. Which is better -lower attenuation for x years before degradation from the LMR or slightly higher attenuation for x+ years from rg213 tcw? I've got no idea... Someone mentioned they expected 10-15 years from the LMR, which isn't exactly pitiful.

 

[Martin_J]

I use Aircell-7 which is also obtainable off the shelf at Nevada Radio in Portsmouth. They stock matching plugs that fit really well as well.

Much less lossy than the standard vhf cable and a thickness that is easier to work with than RG213.

Worth a visit to Nevada Radio. They all know their stuff and Mike, the MD is also a power boater with various radio kit on board.