Vtronix antenna conections

[MM5AHO]

In replacing my mast coax to the Vtronix Hawk antenna I am unsatisfied with the standard connector to the base of the whip.
It relies on a small pin jamming itself into the coax inner, and the little brass fitting touching another pin inside the fitting for the braid connection. It all seems to flimsy, and so liable to disconnection. Would be better with a BNC or N type (or even a PL259) connector, but...

Anyone devised a better connection for this whip antenna?

 

[PeterGibbs]

Having just replaced my Vtronix antenna I agree with your observations. But it does actually work, counter-intuitive as that may be.

In essence the connection is not more or less than the usual coaxial cable connector, just water proofed by the thumb screw.

PWG

 

[Bilgediver]

Providing you use the correct coax and not that with a single strand inner and you cut correctly it works fine. Though I agree one may wonder????

 

[john_morris_uk]

I too look at it and wonder...

But its better than a SO239/PL239 as it is much more waterproof. BNC's are not waterproof either. N type are waterproof to a degree, but the average yachtsman is not going to fit an N connector very well. They are also quite large and expensive.

However the Vtronix design DOES work and I usually dab some vaseline on the connection to help the waterproofing.

 

[MM5AHO]

The connector is designed for RG58 I think (5mm outer diameter). I'd prefer to use something with a little less loss, perhaps Mini-8,, which is 6mm dia. That would further complicate (compromise?) the connector. I suspect the connector relies on a solid dielectric so a foam core might not be so good?

 

[Bilgediver]

The connector is designed for RG58 I think (5mm outer diameter). I'd prefer to use something with a little less loss, perhaps Mini-8,, which is 6mm dia. That would further complicate (compromise?) the connector. I suspect the connector relies on a solid dielectric so a foam core might not be so good?

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I will try and remember to look at mine on the mast rack as I suspect there is enough beef there to drill to 6 mm if you are really wanting to go that route...However I can assure you that the actualy difference in receive quality will be almost unnoticable in most cases as will the range increase..

You of course will NOT be having a deck connection will you to maintain this efficiency .. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I have experimented with various permutations on different friends boats in our marina over the years and found that in reality it makes little difference wether the SWR is 1:1 or 2:1 an even using a chocolate block connector under deck does not seem to affect the radio reports for the coastguard or range. Maybe the tin foil has amplifying qualities /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

The reasons for most problems with marine VHF radios is poor connections and one I frequently see is the use of TV coax aluminium connectors unsoldered. I was surprised the push type on the V tronix etc worked but it does so long as the coax is correctly prepared and the centre core is not single strand where there is a chance of the pin not piercing the correct place.