VHF Connection confusion

[Tintin282]

I’ve replaced my vhf aerial and all was going fine until I looked at the deck fitting. I will attach a photo, but I can’t figure it out. The central pin is so small a regular VHF male plug goes over it. It looks like a male fitting in the deck, but I can’t find a female fitting that would screw down on to it. The old plug went to the skip so I can’t reference it. Thanks!

 

[starfire]

It's an N type connector

 

[Tintin282]

Thank you - that looks like it. Not even Google could recognise it so many thanks!

 

[ProDave]

N type is far superior to PL259. Just make sure to buy an N plug that matches the diameter of the coax you want it to fit onto.

 

[Daverw]

Make sure you get a quality plug, the ones I use are water proof glanced and silver plated.
Go to a radio ham shop for good choice, will be cheaper than chandler

 

[Boathook]

Having had a connector like that it was a constant problem.
Personally I would bin that connector and use a cable gland and make the connection below deck. Index marine ? make a selection of glands that will take a vhf aerial plug so it could go straight to the radio if the route is suitable.

 

[PetiteFleur]

I also had those deck glands on my current boat and it was a PITA - so did as Boathook says, used an Index Marine Deck gland and made the connection below deck behind the deck head lining.Never had a problem since.ùn

 

[Tintin282]

Thanks all, the previous connector worked well and access below is not easy so I think I will get the best type N I can find of the right diameter. If that doesn’t work then I have to open the headlining…. Which may turn into something else altogether!

 

[Daverw]

We’ve had no issues for 6 years and fitted just the same as yours just in front of mast step sealed well with self amalgamating tape, checked it last year and perfect.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Having had a connector like that it was a constant problem.
Personally I would bin that connector and use a cable gland and make the connection below deck. Index marine ? make a selection of glands that will take a vhf aerial plug so it could go straight to the radio if the route is suitable.

If they’re fitted properly N connectors are brilliant. They’ve even got water resistant properties which is more that SO239 and PL 239 have. (But I still use a waterproof boot and self amalgamating tape etc.).

 

[MikeCC]

Almost certainly a VTronix / Shakespeare ACC105 connector. Comes in a pack with both parts.

 

[ProDave]

Talking of waterproof boots, you should have a cap to put over the socket on the deck when there is nothing plugged into it. It's condition suggests you don't. I would expect the inside of the socket to be a lot cleaner than that.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Almost certainly a VTronix / Shakespeare ACC105 connector. Comes in a pack with both parts.

Just their marketing of an N connector. You do get a nice wide flange and gasket on the socket and a boot to go over the plug though.