Funny, I started this same project literally just today. Must be the season for mast-out work.
I also read the Internet boards where a few people talked up LMR-400. Decide to go with Ancor RG213, because it's the same size as what I'm replacing, and it sounds like LMR-400 is overkill for marine VHF purposes - other issues (like old connections) are likely to make way more of a difference. Also one person said LMR-400 is heavy and inflexible, making it harder to fit through a conduit, as well as support a 40-50 foot vertical run. And 100 feet of Ancor RG213 is only $86 on Amazon currently, with 2-day Prime shipping, which is cheaper than most of the marine stores I checked (I support our local marine store plenty of other times though, so no worries about them not getting business). I went with the Shakespeare 5215 antenna, because it's the same model as what I'm replacing - so the mounting bracket will fit the same template (almost - it turns out 1 out of 3 holes is in a new spot, so I'll have to drill/tap one new hole). Whether you replace the cabin cabling is up to you based on how bad you think it is. Have you done any VHF testing? When I cut our coax today, the core and shield appeared fine (not corroded) - however not tinned like the new coax is. I had some corrosion at the connections at the base of the mast (and little or none at the masthead). And our VHF reception/transmission was mediocre. Quite possibly the 33 year old coax cable was just fine and I could've just reterminated all the connections and reused the antenna, but a $63 antenna + ~$90 cable seemed worth it for not having to worry about it, since I don't plan to have the mast down again for a long time. Since 100 feet is enough to reach the radio, I'm replacing the cabin (upper bilge) cabling too. And not bothering with a mast base quick disconnect, because mast pulls are a rare event in this area, and I can just add that later (in maybe 8-10 years?) if needed. -Patrick 1984 C&C LF38 Seattle, WA On Sun, Jan 15, 2017 at 3:49 PM, <cnc-list-requ...@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 Song > > C&C 30-2 > > Deltaville, Va. >
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