VHF Aerial connection

[Athene V30]

Had anyone got a fool proof explanation with pictures of how I connect the wire to the connector. This fool has tried 3 times on both the main and the AIS aerial and neither can be heard more than a few hondred yards away.

Many Thanks

 

[sailorman]

Had anyone got a fool proof explanation with pictures of how I connect the wire to the connector. This fool has tried 3 times on both the main and the AIS aerial and neither can be heard more than a few hondred yards away.

Many Thanks

are you using a BNC connector

 

[Athene V30]

are you using a BNC connector

Yes but very badly

 

[sailorman]

Yes but very badly

i had probs with 2 differing Dia cables with the BNC.
So for the past 10 yrs a block connector
It works joint is below a bunk all taped-up with self amalgamating tape

 

[Wunja]

Make sure the plugs you are using aren't designed to be crimped.

Here is one site, but it seems that every design of plug has it's own way of being attached!

http://www.isi-seal.com/searchs/doc/WI-Con-BNC.htm

 

[christo2024]

Offshore Progress

Hi there

Sorry we couldn't connect the other day.

Call me any time or drop alongside for a cuppa if you see us in our berth. You'd be very welcome.

regards

Chris

 

[PaulGooch]

You should be using a PL259 for the VHF and a BNC for the AIS. Best bet, however, is to use PL259's for both antenna's and use a PL259 to BNC adaptor for the AIS, this way you can use the AIS antenna as an emergency VHF antenna.

Depending on how big a fool you are, )) this is how to do it :

http://www.lnl.com/howto/termination/uhf.htm

If you should happen to be Shotley way in the near future, i'd be happy to solder the plugs for you and check the connections with an SWR meter.

 

[Athene V30]

Depending on how big a fool you are, )) this is how to do it :

http://www.lnl.com/howto/termination/uhf.htm

If you should happen to be Shotley way in the near future, i'd be happy to solder the plugs for you and check the connections with an SWR meter.

Paul, just to prove my lack of all things electronic I cannot open the link!

The connectors I have for both aerials are the same with an adapter to make either fit the AIS so I am now thinking that the bits that go onto the wire are not BNCs - they both are threaded where the cable goes in and as you screw the cable in the 'outside' wire seems to get cut off.

I may well take you up on the offer of help too!

 

[Sixpence]

Peter, sounds like the connector is similar to a sat TV type which can be a bit fiddly, if you don't bump into Paul before we see each other then remind me and I'll take a look at it. The SWR check is worth doing when you see him anyway, and I'll be chasing him for a check on my connection too, if he doesn't mind but between us I'm sure there are a few on here that can get your system sorted

 

[PaulGooch]

Not sure why the link isn't working for you Peter, it works here. Try this one : http://www.thunderpole.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=748&start=0 this one is actually a simpler way of doing it.

The connector on the VHF set is for a PL259 and the one on the AIS is BNC. It sounds like you are fitting PL259 connectors to both cables and using an adaptor for the AIS. That's how i did mine, gives you an emergency VHF aerial. PL259 pushes in and the a retaining collar screws on, BNC is push and twist.

It's important to make sure you don't allow the centre conductor to short. If you're getting very poor performance, don't use the radio or you might damage it.

Dunno how much of a trek it is for you to get to Shotley, but we're there most weekends and i'd be happy to help out.

 

[PaulGooch]

Peter, sounds like the connector is similar to a sat TV type which can be a bit fiddly, if you don't bump into Paul before we see each other then remind me and I'll take a look at it. The SWR check is worth doing when you see him anyway, and I'll be chasing him for a check on my connection too, if he doesn't mind but between us I'm sure there are a few on here that can get your system sorted

Happy to check yours with the SWR meter, just let me know when you'll be around.

 

[gruntle]

Is it RG58 cable? BNC and PL259 connectors come in various types, depending on the cable being used. RG58 cable is a common type used for VHF purposes, but if its a different type, you'll have trouble getting the outer braid into the screw connector on the back end of the BNC plug/socket. Try RS components www.rswww.com as they have free to download data sheets which will enable you to check if you have the correct connector for the job

 

[Athene V30]

free to download data sheets

You know me so well!! Thank you Branch Engineer!

 

[gruntle]

a Pleasure, mon capitaine.

 

[Athene V30]

All checked & working now - Thames loud & clear on low power from B'sea (presumably the Bradwell aerial)

AIS tracked one of the windfarm boats out to Colne Bar buoy on the pushpit aerial from my berth in B'sea and was picking up ships alongside in Felixstowe when on the mast head aerial. It was nearly HW but quite impressive!

 

[PaulGooch]

All checked & working now - Thames loud & clear on low power from B'sea (presumably the Bradwell aerial)

AIS tracked one of the windfarm boats out to Colne Bar buoy on the pushpit aerial from my berth in B'sea and was picking up ships alongside in Felixstowe when on the mast head aerial. It was nearly HW but quite impressive!

Glad you got it sorted, what was the problem ?

 

[Athene V30]

what was the problem ?

ME!

Electronics specialist had it all sorted in under an hour. Still I suppose he had done it all before!

 

[PaulGooch]

ME!

Electronics specialist had it all sorted in under an hour. Still I suppose he had done it all before!

He may have done the off one in the past Main thing is.....it's working.