VHF Cable broken - how do I join it ?

[aidancoughlan]

The VHF transmission on Maelduin was bad towards the end of last season (reception seemed ok)..... While pulling at cables recently, doing something else - I've noticed the VHF cable was split , and has corroded where it goes through a bulkhead - a quick tug and it came apart. So that explains a lot...

Question is how do I rejoin it ? Or should I replace it - the section that comes from the mast foot (via DriPlug) to the VHF unit.

Thanks for any help...

 

[Sixpence]

Better off replacing it , any corrosion in there will only get worse if you don't

 

[ShipsWoofy]

As you are asking this question I am assuming this is not your field? Therefore I would not suggest splicing it as that is fairly specialist and best left to wire-men or similar.

But, if you need a temporary repair to last the season, or until you step the mast, you could use an in-line connector, such as a pl259 male and female. Though as Dave says, this might just be a knackered cable top to bottom. For a few pounds for the connectors it might be worth a try, it maybe just damaged at the foot of the mast from wear and tear and be ok inside.

Good luck.

 

[William_H]

The cable should be replaced however joins can be made by using appropriate connectors and if necessary a male to male (or is that female to female joiner. The type will dpend on the size of the cable.
if it is the aprox 6mm diameter small cable then you can use use BNC type connector and you can get M and F or you can use the larger PL259 screw together connectors but will need a m to m joiner.
If it is the large about 9mm cable then you will have to use the PL259 type. The connectors usually require the centre pin to be soldered. Which will be almost impossible on corroded wire. Unless you clean ir very well. if you are desperate then just joining the inners together and the outer sheath together will work. good luck
olewill

 

[tangofour]

[ QUOTE ]
The cable should be replaced however joins can be made by using appropriate connectors and if necessary a male to male (or is that female to female joiner. )l

[/ QUOTE ]

The correct way to use inline connectors is 'Male' to 'Female' for rather obvious reasons. However in this age of political correctness one is perfectly within ones rights to try using Female to Female or Male to Male unions, personally I find that the resulting (electrical ) connection is somewhat less than effective.

BTW in line with the PC police these days the different 'genders' of connectors are refered to as Plugs ( the part with pins ) and Sockets, Receptacles or Recievers.

/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[simonfraser]

solder inner core, use plumbers flux of sand paper to clean the central core, insulating tape over the core, allu foil over the top covering the webbed outer core, more tape, works fine, the purists will no doubt object, but it works fine
don't flex it afterwards and it'll last for ages, at least until you can be bothered to replace the wire or find politically correct adaptors

 

[Guest]

[ QUOTE ]

solder inner core, use plumbers flux of sand paper to clean the central core, insulating tape over the core, allu foil over the top covering the webbed outer core, more tape, works fine, the purists will no doubt object, but it works fine
don't flex it afterwards and it'll last for ages, at least until you can be bothered to replace the wire or find politically correct adaptors

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed ... have on quite a few occasions for emergency "twiddled" centre wire together .... tape then pull outer braid over top making sure both ends braid contact well .... then tape over this lot securing all in place.

Another quick fix is the inline screw connector - looks like a torpedo ... purists will scream its for tv's etc. and no way for 25W VHF tx etc - but it works .....

Best of course is to replace cable and where it goes through bulkhead etc. pass through a short piece of plastic pipe to protect - much easier to fit than a grommet !

 

[sailorman]

[Another quick fix is the inline screw connector - looks like a torpedo ... purists will scream its for tv's etc. and no way for 25W VHF tx etc - but it works ..... ]

so does a "block connector" below decks

 

[Topcat47]

Cut back to fresh copper cable before joining, in a temp repair such as has been suggested this may involve two connectors and an extra bit of cable. If the original has corroded you'll be surprised how far back you need to cut to get "good" cable.

Replace at the earliest oppostunity, using marine or tinned cables.

 

[tobble]

[ QUOTE ]


BTW in line with the PC police these days the different 'genders' of connectors are refered to as Plugs ( the part with pins ) and Sockets, Receptacles or Recievers.

/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

surely as long as the receivers are given equal opportunities to the plugs, there could be no accusations. But i'm sure socketists would have something to say... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[aidancoughlan]

Many thank all for the responses, I'm off to the chandlery for a "... in-line connector, such as a pl259 male and female...".
Hope this will do the job temporarily until I can replace the whole cable next season.
thanks again...

 

[Guest]

[ QUOTE ]
Many thank all for the responses, I'm off to the chandlery for a "... in-line connector, such as a pl259 male and female...".
Hope this will do the job temporarily until I can replace the whole cable next season.
thanks again...

[/ QUOTE ]


OOOOH !! OUCH !!! Find a local radio spares or maplins .... you could buy 4 or 5 for same price as Swindlery !!