Vtronix Hawk VHF aerial connection

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jerryat

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Hi Guys,

An elderly sailing friend has managed to pull the co-ax from the underside of his VHF aerial as above. I have checked the Vtronix website but the latest (screw in) type is not shown. At least, not the version my friend has, and his aerial is only a few months old.

It appears that the braid is folded back over the outer insulation with a 'bit' of the centre core (complete with insulation) left projecting. The whole lot then appears to be screwed up into the aerial base where the centre core is impaled on a spike which is lurking there!

If this is the case, and because my friend did not have the fitting instructions handed to him when he bought the boat, we need to know what the 'cut back' dimensions for the braid and centre core lengths are.

I'm trying to sort out the problem for him before next Tuesday when his boat is launched so would be really grateful if someone could either post the info on here or PM me before then.

Many thanks
 
Sounds like you have the mechanics of the connection correct, however, it is easy to get it all wrong to. you must be sure that - the core makes a good connection to the 'spike' and the braid makes a good connection to the outer part of the connector. It is important that the outer part does not touch the inner part.
Usually these things are crimped which gives a mechanical bond (although we are talking about electrical connections) and some strength.
If in any doubt about doing this I would suggest getting someone who knows whats what to do it - you don't want the radio to fail when you need it most due to a bad connection
This is about five minutes work for someone with the right tools.
PM me for a phone call if you want
 
Hi Vic,

Yes, that's this info I found on their website, but it seems that there should be a 'hollow nosed bullet' thingy to be fitted over the end which is perhaps what our friend MLT meant by needing 'crimping'.

I asked my friend if he had had a 'bullet' fitting on the end of the cable, but he hadn't seen such a thing when the cable was pulled out. He is approaching 80 years old though, so might have missed it!

Do you know whether the 'bullet' idea really is the latest solderless version of making the connection? If it is, I'll have to get onto Communication Aerials (who make the Vtronix stuff) and ask them to sent us one.

I must admit I'd assumed that the braid was simply turned back over the outer insulation, leaving short length of inner core projecting with the insulation intact. This configuration would then be screwed into the aerial base so that the braid earthed against the brass thread, while the core was forced over the centre pin.

Seems we may be missing a vital part!

Thanks to you both for your replies.
 
Just sorted the same problem. There should be a brass "bullet" that screws onto the end of the co-ax. It may still be lodged inside the aerial connector - remove it. Older style bullets were crimped onto the cable - look for three small depressions on the bullet. Newer style screw on - with pliers.

Speak to Shakespeare Electronics (who now own Communication Aerials) 01253 858787. Speak to David Mannasah. He is ex Communication Aerials, and is very helpful. He will be able to supply a replacement bullet, and explain how to fit it.
 
If I read your post correctly you are missing the actual connector itself ! It seens like it is stil up inside the antenna, whereas it should be on the end of the cable.

Ive got one kicking around on my chart table - having just fitted two Vitronix aerials - but can't easily post it before Monday. PM if this helps.
 
There are two common failures on these connections..

The little metal spike breaks off - either because of age or the length of the inner coax is too long..

Or the little brass insert becomes corroded or lost or has been crimped on and you want to change the coax
Both can lead to the purchase of a new aerial ..

Once the spike is snapped there is no repair..
If you have a problem with the brass ferrule then you might be lucky and someone might donate one.. otherwise they don't appear to be available for sale.
This is a pain when you want to change the co-ax... something I do every 5 years.

If you buy a kit - windex antenna and cable.. the ferrule has been crimped on to the new coax.

If you buy just the antenna.. a useable brass ferrule is in there.. £40 for a brass ferrule!!!

Great design feature!
 
Do you know whether the 'bullet' idea really is the latest solderless version of making the connection? If it is, I'll have to get onto Communication Aerials (who make the Vtronix stuff) and ask them to sent us one.
***************************************************
The ones I have seen have the ferrule reffered to elsewhere which in profile do resemble a 0.22 cartridge case:)
 
[ QUOTE ]
If you have a problem with the brass ferrule then you might be lucky and someone might donate one.. otherwise they don't appear to be available for sale.


[/ QUOTE ]

Well, I managed to get one from Shakespeare Electronics a couple of weeks ago with no problems (see my post above).
 
I will contact Shakespeare for a couple of spare brass ferrules.
Local chandler and marine electronics outfit advised they were not available and not seen any on the on-line chandlers either.

Thanks for the info.

Regards

Bob
 
Very many thanks to all of you.

As advised, I had a closer look inside the aerial base and Lo!, there was the end of the brass 'bullet' staring at me! I managed to get it out undamaged and checked that the spike was also perfect - and it was. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

So tomorrow morning, I'll fit the bullet onto the cable and screw the lot together as shown on Vtronix website.

Again, many thanks to everyone who replied from myself and my elderly friend, especially to Moodynick for his kind offer of a replacement bullet. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Cheers Jerry
 
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