Wiring a VHF terminal

[zzjfawce]

A trivial question, maybe, but just had the mast put back in after replacement of standing rigging and I need to reconnect the VHF aerial. When the mast was pulled, the aerial socket was cut off. I have not re-wired a co-axal able to a socket before and need some guidance. If I recall correctly, the braided copper sheath is a form of shielding and it is the wire in the core that needs to be threaded up through the inside of the pin in the VHF terminal. Do I need to solder it in lace. What do I do with the braided copper layer and the insulation on the outside? Apologies in advance for ignorance

zzjfawce, previously jonf

 

[Beadle]

Yes

The inner conductor goes to the "pin" in the middle.

The outer braid goes to the outer body of the connector.

It rather depends on the type of connector but if it can be soldered it is better to do so if you can.

Its important that the braid is connected, its more than just a shield, its an essential part of the aerial system.

You need to take care soldering, its quite easy to melt the insulation and end up with a short between inner and outer.

The insulation should go right up to the base of the centre pin in the connector.

 

[Salty John]

This should link to a pictorial on fitting a soldered PL259. If not go to the Salty John website and go to Articles and Links.

http://www.saltyjohn.com/resources/How to fit a PL259 plug to coaxial cable.pdf

 

[zzjfawce]

Thankyou

Many thanks, Beadle and Salty John. Your pictorial guide makes it look simple, I'll give it a try. I might also add that I like the things on your website Saltyjohn, a very interesting range of sailing "must-haves".

 

[john_morris_uk]

Good advice from Saltyjohn. However please remember that PL259 plugs and sockets are not waterproof and you need to think of how you are going to keep the salt and damp out of it if the plug and socket is outside. Salt and the damp that follows are killers for coax at VHF.

(Its the one real criticism that I have of the claim that the Metz VHF Antenna is 'probably the best made' etc - unless there is some wonderful waterproofing sleeve that goes over the SO239/PL239 connection?)

 

[Salty John]

We recommend that all external joints be wrapped with self amalgamating tape. Having said that, I have experience of several instances where unprotected PL259 joints at the masthead have lasted years with no problem - in one case, over 6 years with no sign of cable deterioration. I assume this is because water ingress is inhibited because the plug is on the underside of the antenna in a 'self draining' position.

The PL259 connection is actually more water resistant than you might think, as long as the correct UG176 sleeve is used for the selected cable size, and the cable itself is of good marine quality with a pvc outer coating.