BlueChip
Well-Known Member
I am fitting a new AIS antenna and don't have any RG58 coax, but I do have some spare satellite cable, will this be ok?
Using satellite coax cable for AIS receiver?
- Thread starter BlueChip
- Start date
William_H
Well-Known Member
Coax for AIS receiver
Yes it is most likely that the satelite dish coax will be OK for the job. It is commonly 52 ohm which is what you want.
52 ohm describes the "characteristic " impedance of cable. It is described in ohms (normally for resistance) because it describes the ratio of voltage to current which will produce the least loss over a long cable run.
Now losses in a coax cable rise with length of run and frequency. The more losses the more important it is to minimise the losses by having the correct impedance of the cable to match the source and load.
What this means to you is that being a receiver and one that does not require huge sensitivity almost any cable will be fine.
Of course the dimensions of the cable should suit the connectors. Good luck olewill
Yes it is most likely that the satelite dish coax will be OK for the job. It is commonly 52 ohm which is what you want.
52 ohm describes the "characteristic " impedance of cable. It is described in ohms (normally for resistance) because it describes the ratio of voltage to current which will produce the least loss over a long cable run.
Now losses in a coax cable rise with length of run and frequency. The more losses the more important it is to minimise the losses by having the correct impedance of the cable to match the source and load.
What this means to you is that being a receiver and one that does not require huge sensitivity almost any cable will be fine.
Of course the dimensions of the cable should suit the connectors. Good luck olewill
maxi77
Well-Known Member
In the UK satellite cable is 75 ohm so not the same as vhf aerial cable which is 50 ohm, so better to get the right stuff.
ffiill
Well-Known Member
UK satellite cable is definitely 75 ohms-you can buy good quality 50 ohm on e bay as I have just done for my AIS antenna.
Salty John
Well-Known Member
VHF/AIS cable is 50 ohm.
