VHF antenna and co-ax cable?

[Quandary]

When I was out round Mull last week I noticed how quiet the vhf was, I only heard the dulcet tones of Stornaway CG once. The gear came with the boat, a rather basic Cobra radio, a Hawk antenna and an unknown cable which goes through a deck gland to a connector above the headlining inside. When I had a similar problem a few years back it was just a matter of buying a Metz with recommended mast cable from Salty John and adapting the Hawk Arrow for the Metz with a resulting trebling of range.
So now I am proposing to buy a Metz and new cable, lots of discussion about what cable and connectors to use in the pbo archive. Am I right in deciding that RG8X is the best mast drop with a pair of PL 259s and a barrel connector in the cabin or should I also try to extract and replace the short cable inside the boat too? and if so any recommendations on where to purchase on line.

 

[MM5AHO]

Coaxial cable is a bit like many things, the better quality the better performance. The most common used is RG58. Its OK,... just. RG8X is better, but not the best. Better still might be RG213, but this is a bigger diameter, and needs different connectors.
Its like pipe - bigger diameter means less resistance to flow. But there are drawbacks, such as size, etc.
Similarly in connectors. PL259 and the corresponding SO239 are almost adequate, buit easy to fit and low cost. Far better are N type connectors, and even BNC are better than PL269 etc. (and they're also waterproof)
But many people are happy enough with mediocre performace so use RG58 coax, and PL259s etc.
A Metz is a good marine antenna.
If renewing cable, do it all, and use as few joints (connectors) as possible. Each connector reduces performance. The ideal is one for the radio and one for the antenna,and only a single run of cable. But if you wish to unstep the mast, then a deck connector might be required.

 

[Moodysailor]

What is the total length of your VHF cable, from antenna to set?
We have about 25mtr and went with LMR-240 on a price/performance basis. We also wouldn't have been able to fit physically larger cable through our routing.
We sacrificed tinned copper for ultimate performance, but my research led me to the conclusion that this was the right choice, and I carefully protected the connections.
Same as you, we have a PL259 joiner at the base of the mast in the cabin.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Rather than a deck connector which I've had problems with in the past, I now fit a cable connection between the headlining and the deck, through an Index marine waterproof gland which is large enough for the connection as well. No cable corrosion and better cable connection. Salty John has retired now but not sure who took over selling Metz gear.

 

[Quandary]

Seas the day marine, £100 less a penny, they also sell through Amazon
Another question, if I slide the plastic barrel of a Bic biro down the whip and put the old Hawk on top does it compromise performance?

 

[Daverw]

Cannot see any reason why the plastic hawk would do anything

 

[Quandary]

Messi and Paoloni Ultraflex 7 claims to outperform RG 213 and is only 7mm. dia. any reason to disbelieve this?

 

[MM5AHO]

Ultraflex is excellent coaxial cable. I don't doubt the claim. RG213 is pretty old design and technology, surely exceeded by now.

 

[Rappey]

any reason to disbelieve this?

Plenty of Web sites seem to support that statement and at £2 per metre is only 50p more than rg213.
Once you move to rg214 the price rockets over £10 per metre.

 

[Bran]

I recently used Messi and Paoloni Ultraflex 7 and their pl259, excellent products. Really good quality cable and connectors. Purchased from Martin Lynch and sons, quick delivery.


MESSI & PAOLONI ULTRAFLEX 7 - better than RG213 but near to the size of Mini 8 Coaxial Cable, DC Cable sold by the metre, DC Distribution at £2.00 | Ham Radio

 

[wully1]

The only connector on any VHF installation I will have is into the back of the unit.
I always solder the conductor and screen if there HAS to be a joint. With correct insulation between naturally..

(ex Greenie WE Mech...)

 

[Ceejay]

I recently used Messi and Paoloni Ultraflex 7 and their pl259, excellent products. Really good quality cable and connectors. Purchased from Martin Lynch and sons, quick delivery.


MESSI & PAOLONI ULTRAFLEX 7 - better than RG213 but near to the size of Mini 8 Coaxial Cable, DC Cable sold by the metre, DC Distribution at £2.00 | Ham Radio

May I ask what the charge for delivery was. I have been quoted £19.85 for 22 metres plus two plugs, which seems excessive.

 

[Bran]

May I ask what the charge for delivery was. I have been quoted £19.85 for 22 metres plus two plugs, which seems excessive.

Postage was £11.95, that was for 2 plugs and 6 metres of cable. Next day delivery, is excessive but was next day.