Marine VHF Coax and Connector Questions.

[FixItPete]

First and foremost... thank you for being here. I appreciate it.

Second, my questions.

1) I am connecting an Icom 604. This one: IC-M604 VHF Marine Transceiver - Features - Icom America

to a Digital 829 Antenna. This one: 8 ft VHF Marine Antennas - 6dB Gain for Speedboat, T-Top, Yacht & Commercial Vessel (the 829).

I would like recommendations on a few things.

I plan to use these connectors: Shakespeare Marine Connector - Style PL-259-8X-G

If you folks, who easily know WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY more than I do, say those connectors aren't any good. I'll scrap them. otherwise...

What coaxial would you recommend? The line will be under 20 ft. and run inside of metal tubing (the T-Top on a boat). I'm being told that something with a "solid dielectric is a good idea (not foam) since it is in a marine environment.

I take things like this very seriously and would like to do it right the first time.

Thanks again for any help,
Pete

 

[Wire Weasel]

The items you listed should be fine. Ordinary coax connector for type of coax commonly called "Mini 8" The "8x" in the model number signifies it's the type connector that matches "8x" or Mini8 coax.

It's not the very best or lowest loss but for a 20 foot run it'll be fine.

 

[FixItPete]

Just to be curious... what *would* be the "best"?

 

[Moleculo]

Just to be curious... what *would* be the "best"?

You don't really want to ask that question. These are not the 'droids you're looking for

"Best" is a matter of which particular thing fits your application/need. A lot of people would rather use LMR-400 or some other better type of low-loss cable for the vhf-marine frequencies. But it is large in diameter and can quickly become impractical to work with in the tight quarters of a boat. Realisitically you only need to worry about the signal loss that happens in the coax on a much longer run. For 20', use the RG-8x, make it simple and be done...it will work great. I would, however recommend finding some high quality Amphenol Silver plated PL-259 connectors. They're the dull looking ones. They solder much better than the cheapo ones. One last important thing: in a marine environment it is very important to seal the connector from the harsh elements. After you connect the coax to the antenna, use Coax Seal or RTV Silicone or something similar to coat the entire connector and the coax where the connector and coax jacket meet. This will prevent moisture and salt (if you're on the ocean) from working into the coax shield and corroding the crap out of it.

Hope that helps.

 

[Moleculo]

I just looked at that PL-259 connector you listed and saw it is gold plated. I have used those in the past also and had good luck with them. Although the price they list is about twice what you should pay.

 

[Beetle]

For marine use, where there's danger of the connector getting repeatedly sloshed in water, the Type "N" connector would be at least marginally better. They are inherently waterproof. No PL-259 can make that statement - at least not without covering it with multiple wraps of tape, sealant and other goo.

 

[W5LZ]

I would think that combination of radio/antenna should work well.
Any fears about using 'foam' coax cable in marine use isn't called for. That 'foam' is not the typical 'foam' you might think it is, and does have a few convenient properties that 'solid' coax doesn't have. Flexibility being one of them, easier to 'thread'/noodle through odd shaped spaces.
I would have to agree that as far as the connector is concerned, look for one made by 'Amphenol'. A PL-259 connector is a 'one size fits all' type of thingy if the proper sized reducer (UG-176 for RG8X coax) is used. The 'gold' plating is not of any particular benefit, might look nice, but that's it. If it's made by 'Amphenol' it will work just fine, even the "el'cheapo" ones they make (figure around $6.00) for any of them).
Weather proofing any marine installation is a good idea. Several ways of going about that, pick the one you can do, have done, or afford, whatever. The only other thing I can think of is that coax doesn't stretch. Having a little too much is always better than not having enough. That can be carried to extremes too, so...
- 'Doc

 

[WX2MIG]

You've gotten good advice so far FixItPete....

As has been stated, the gold plated PL-259 connectors that Shakespeare sells for an arm and a leg are not neccessary, just use a standard Amphenol silver plated connector, then wrap it in coax seal, or coat in RTV sealent.

I've installed many VHF Marine radios in a variety of vessles from 17' center consoles, to 45' sportfishermen, and on every one I used marine grade RG-8X coax, I've yet to get a phone call complaining that my install fail, or the radio had less than expected range.

The thing to keep in mind with any electronics installed on a boat, and this especially applies to those vessles that spend any time in salt water....every year you want to re-check all your connections, clean up any corrosion that may start to form, re-seal everything. Relentless maintanence is the key to keeping all your marine electronics working.....

 

[FixItPete]

Thanks for all the replies! I'll take note to make sure and seal the PL-259 (likely with a film of silicone (or I remember there was a "tape" I believe it was a shielding tape... I'll have to look around). I will keep everything else properly Boe-Shield'ed to ward off the salty elements!

Thanks again! I just wanted to do it right and do so the first time.

Pete