ME again
What is the appropiate size coax to use when running the lenght of the mast and whatever else is needed withing the cabin?
RG-8U was recommended by West Marine @ 1.19 per ft. RG-58U in olny .50 per ft, and someone, somewhere started the installation process by running some RG-58U from the breaker panel to the compression post. If RG-58U will work, then all I have to do is pass it through the deck an up the mast!!!
Comments please!
Bill
willie@clnk.com
Coax size ??'s
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Gordon
Re: Coax size ??'s
Bill, Use RG8X, just slightly larger in diameter than RG58 and with electrical characteristics almost as good as the fat RG-8. What are you doing about cables hanging and banging inside your mast? Over time I have come to prefer a radio antenna on the stern. A 6db standard antenna on the rail will work well there, it is easy to get at for inspection and maintenance, and when the mast goes overboard you can yell for help. All antennas and cable rot with time, especially around salt water. Your first clue will be that you can receive, but your buddies can't hear your transmissions. Corrosion finds everything.Bill wrote: ME again
What is the appropiate size coax to use when running the lenght of the mast and whatever else is needed withing the cabin?
RG-8U was recommended by West Marine @ 1.19 per ft. RG-58U in olny .50 per ft, and someone, somewhere started the installation process by running some RG-58U from the breaker panel to the compression post. If RG-58U will work, then all I have to do is pass it through the deck an up the mast!!!
Comments please!
Bill
gordon_sammis@atdc.northgrum.com
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Bill
Re: Coax size ??'s
Prior to mounting a masthead antenna on my old boat I used a rail mount. I was able to communicate well, just wanted the boost of the additional height. I have thought of just doing that again. BTW, I ran 1 1/2" PVC the lenght of the mast and ran all wire through it along with a hual line. worked great. Not sure what I will do about antenna mounting. But I will consider all options. Rail mount does reduce range, but your comments makes sense as well.
Any comments from other sailors?
Bill
willie@clnk.com
Any comments from other sailors?
Bill
Gordon wrote:Bill, Use RG8X, just slightly larger in diameter than RG58 and with electrical characteristics almost as good as the fat RG-8. What are you doing about cables hanging and banging inside your mast? Over time I have come to prefer a radio antenna on the stern. A 6db standard antenna on the rail will work well there, it is easy to get at for inspection and maintenance, and when the mast goes overboard you can yell for help. All antennas and cable rot with time, especially around salt water. Your first clue will be that you can receive, but your buddies can't hear your transmissions. Corrosion finds everything.Bill wrote: ME again
What is the appropiate size coax to use when running the lenght of the mast and whatever else is needed withing the cabin?
RG-8U was recommended by West Marine @ 1.19 per ft. RG-58U in olny .50 per ft, and someone, somewhere started the installation process by running some RG-58U from the breaker panel to the compression post. If RG-58U will work, then all I have to do is pass it through the deck an up the mast!!!
Comments please!
Bill
willie@clnk.com
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Carl Nord
Re: Coax size ??'s
For the frequency and length, RG8X will be fine and much easier to work with than RG 8U. (Unless you own the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle)
On my CD 27, with the mast on saw horses I drilled a whole near the top of the mast and using a plumbers snake ran a piece of string to the bottom of the mast. I then pulled the coax back up the inside of mast using the string. AS I FED IT INTO THE MAST I coated the coax with silicone sealant. I pulled the end out of the top with about 3 extra feet. I then drilled a small hole about 6" above the base and fed a couple of feet out of it. I then sealed both holes with more sealant. The coax stuck to the inside of the mast and stayed quiet for the 10 seasons I had her.
I mounted the antenna by cutting a long narrow piece of aluminum about 1/4" thick and attaching it to the flat top of the masthead. It trailed off to stern about 12" or so. This allowed me to mount the antenna and the Windex on the same piece. The coax was mounted to this piece with plastic cable clamps.
Good luck
Carl Nord
Former owner of Nord * Star
http://pages.cthome.net/nord/sailing.html
cnord@snet.net
On my CD 27, with the mast on saw horses I drilled a whole near the top of the mast and using a plumbers snake ran a piece of string to the bottom of the mast. I then pulled the coax back up the inside of mast using the string. AS I FED IT INTO THE MAST I coated the coax with silicone sealant. I pulled the end out of the top with about 3 extra feet. I then drilled a small hole about 6" above the base and fed a couple of feet out of it. I then sealed both holes with more sealant. The coax stuck to the inside of the mast and stayed quiet for the 10 seasons I had her.
I mounted the antenna by cutting a long narrow piece of aluminum about 1/4" thick and attaching it to the flat top of the masthead. It trailed off to stern about 12" or so. This allowed me to mount the antenna and the Windex on the same piece. The coax was mounted to this piece with plastic cable clamps.
Good luck
Carl Nord
Former owner of Nord * Star
http://pages.cthome.net/nord/sailing.html
cnord@snet.net
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Ed Haley
Re: Coax size ??'s
The wire suggested by West Marine (RG-8U) is fine. To prevent the wire from slapping the sides of the mast when I installed wire for the masthead Tricolor, I slipped 1/2" foam pipe insulation (the kind you use at home for hot water lines) around the line. I pulled the wire through the horizontal mast using my headstay. I taped the sections together in case I wanted to remove them at a later date for whatever reason.
eghaley@dreamscape.com
eghaley@dreamscape.com