There are some differences in LMR400 that you need to look out for. Most importantly, it comes in both 50 and 75 ohm impedance ratings. You need the 50 ohm version. Secondly, regular LMR400 is pretty stiff, so if you need it to turn somewhat sharp corners (at the masthead / mast base) then you could opt for the "Ultraflex", which is a little thicker, but easier to handle. The connectors you need are PL-259. I prefer the crimp on versions, but you should ideally use a specific crimp due set, which may not be worth getting for a couple of connections. Thanks, Tim(Ex 35-3)
On Sun, Jan 15, 2017 at 5:18 PM -0500, "Frederick G Street via CnC-List" <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: Pete — I did this last spring; and I’m one of the ones you’re “hearing” about LMR-400 cable. LMR-400 has tight specs, so you’re likely seeing different variations in connectors or manufacturers; but all the LMR-400 cable should be identical in performance, with the exception of the highly-flexible variant (UF) and direct-burial (DB — which you shouldn’t need for the boat — if you do, you have bigger issues to deal with…). You can purchase the cable raw and get the field-installable non-solder Times Microwave EZ-400-UM connectors. These are easy to install; not quite as simple as the Shakespeare Center-pin connectors that Dennis mentioned, but Shakespeare doesn’t make connectors for LMR-400. The other thing you can do (what I did in my case) is to make the hole in the mast large enough for the PL-259 connectors; then use a Cable Clam as strain relief and to provide weather protection to the large hole. This worked great; and I ordered the LMR-400 cable pre-terminated on Amazon by these guys, who build to MIL-SPEC: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Antenna-Genuine-Transmission-Connector/dp/B005DUXWMU/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1484518381&sr=8-25&keywords=lmr-400. They can make whatever length you need. For VHF antennas, the Metz and GAM are popular; I went with a Digital Antenna 222-VW antenna: http://www.digitalantenna.com/prods/vhfantenna_3.html — Fred Fred Street -- Minneapolis S/V Oceanis (1979 C&C Landfall 38) -- on the hard in Bayfield, WI :^( On Jan 15, 2017, at 12:19 PM, kelly petew via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: Belated HNY, Listers,I am having the standing rigging [rod] on my '91 30-2 re-done [hopefully, re-headed]. Now that the mast is down, I am looking to replacement of all the wiring and running rigging. Regarding the VHF cabling, I am "hearing" that "LMR-400" is superior to other alternatives. So, I checked Amazon and, of course, found "LMR-400", but there appear to be several varieties to choose from.Or, perhaps, it's simply different terminal fittings on the same cable. I can't tell.In any event, I would appreciate any feedback on which cabling to use. I need about 44 ft. And also, any thoughts on installation "best practices". It would seem I'll need to cut one end in order to get it up the mast. Does this make sense? I would prefer NOT to have to cut and re-solder, but that seems to be unavoidable. Also, should I replace the interior cabling -- from the mast to the radio -- as well? And finally, any thoughts on the best antenna to use? Thanks!!!! Pete W. Siren SongC&C 30-2Deltaville, Va. _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
_______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
