VHF cable connector type advice please

[Skylark]

You'd be better off measuring S11 (reflections) and S21 (loss) - but yes you could use it to show the impedance. Antenna Matching with a Vector Network Analyzer

Thanks for this, an interesting read ?

 

[SlowlyButSurely]

Yes, with a VSWR meter or similar or by measuring the PA temp vs. an impedance matched cable and antenna.

There will be a loss of range, but it will be inverse square law based, not linear.

Ok, thanks.
One thing that's just occurred to me is that we have a splitter between the aerial and vhf which, according to the marketing waffle, "boosts the signal". I wonder if this is making up for any loss in the cable.

 

[PilotWolf]

Ok, thanks.
One thing that's just occurred to me is that we have a splitter between the aerial and vhf which, according to the marketing waffle, "boosts the signal". I wonder if this is making up for any loss in the cable.

A splitter usually increases the loss.

W

 

[Rappey]

I used n- type connectors for rg214 as they are both double insulated, low loss and supposedly waterproof

 

[Refueler]

I'm really going to make the 'exspurts' howl now .....

PL-259 is still the common standard connector to radios ... BNC may be found on odd ones ... but like my new DSC I rec'd today (Cobra M77) - it has PL-259.

Pal of mine years ago showed me an article on co-ax cable joining (he was a Radio Tech) .... and it showed how to join Co-Ax without any plugs ... honest ! The centre wires being soldered join ... then the old sleeve sliced and placed over .... one layer of tape to hold ... then carefully pull the shielding braid over the whole making sure the two intermesh. Carefully bind the whole with self-amalgamating tape recreating the structure.
I laughed ... but he was serious and showed his VHF installation where he needed in past to lengthen the cable when changing radio position. The SWR meter and tests he showed proved it good.

Just passing on - not suggesting anyone else try it - but sure was interesting seeing his ...