Coax

[SCUBA]

Hi all. Great site you have here. I have a marine radio that I use in my cargo conversion camping trailer while on scuba diving trips up in Michigan. I need to cut the end off the antenna to run it inside the trailer through the roof. The antenna cable says VR 39615 LU. I am not certain on the LU part but I think that is what it reads. I have a crimp style replacement end (RPL259C) that is listed to be used with RG 58 cable. Can anyone tell me if this new crimp style end will work on the VR cable? They seem to be about the same time. Also, I have heard conflicting information on the subject but I want to shorten the cable a bit once through the roof to the radio's mounting location and wondered if this will effect the antenna's performance. Thanks in advance for any information you can send my way.

Jeff

[Red Warrior]

If it looks like a coax and is a close physical fit to the replacement connector, it should work just fine.

Coax connects the radio to the antenna, it does not perform any tuning function. The length of the coax should be long enough to reach from the radio to the antenna.

[MysteryMan]

Jeff,

If you can, use a damp cloth and wipe about 4 feet of the coax gently. About every 12 to 24 inches should be markings. Either stamped on or embedded in the coax. Look very close. The VR 39615 LU could be any kind of ID for the company. See if you can find some other markings.

You say the coax is about the same size RG58. Are you holding some 58 up to it or you just guessing? And is it larger or smaller?
My concern is that it might be an off brand 75ohm coax.

No worries on the length of coax. It would be a good idea to have 1 or 2 feet of slack in it minimum. You might need it one day.

Make sure you have the correct die for crimping, if not, it will come loose eventually.

[SCUBA]

If it looks like a coax and is a close physical fit to the replacement connector, it should work just fine.
Coax connects the radio to the antenna, it does not perform any tuning function. The length of the coax should be long enough to reach from the radio to the antenna.

Jeff,
If you can, use a damp cloth and wipe about 4 feet of the coax gently. About every 12 to 24 inches should be markings. Either stamped on or embedded in the coax. Look very close. The VR 39615 LU could be any kind of ID for the company. See if you can find some other markings.
You say the coax is about the same size RG58. Are you holding some 58 up to it or you just guessing? And is it larger or smaller?
My concern is that it might be an off brand 75ohm coax.
No worries on the length of coax. It would be a good idea to have 1 or 2 feet of slack in it minimum. You might need it one day.
Make sure you have the correct die for crimping, if not, it will come loose eventually.

Thanks for the quick replies. I purchased an antenna from a CB shop used for marine applications (not sure what the difference is). I would leave the coax alone but I need to bring it into the trailer which is where the radio is permently mounted to listen to shipping traffic and weather reports. The cable only shows the writing I listed above and its ever 14" or so along the entire length of the cable. The aftermarket crimp connector I have had for sometime. Looking at the end where the cable would slide in, it looks like it would fit but I can't really tell other than that comparison until I cut the cable. I have read that It didn't really matter about the length but I have also been told the cable should stay the same length so I thought I would ask. I don't think I will shorten it as I may need it in the future, you are right there. I will look over the cable again and take a few shots if I can figure out how to do so. I don't have a crimp tool. A friend of mine does I will just have to make sure it's the right one for the job. I will post the end results when I get it figured out. Thanks again for the responses.