VHF Connection

[sagamoron]

Just got a new anntenae, and I was wondering how to coonect the cable to male end that gets threaded to the actual radio unit. I tried to solder the wire to the end of the male unit to make it flush but the signal is less than stellar. is there a better way?
Thanks

[DaleH]

FWIW I've tested about 12+ VHF antennas/VHF sets so far this season with a SWR/power meter made for VHF radios and without a doubt ... the BEST performing antennas used the Shakespeare "Centerpin" gold-plated & solderless Pl-259 connector, about $10 or less in stores.

Just be SURE to have even crimps all the way around and "less" is more ... if you crimp too tight ... you'll cut through the wire you're targeting and risk cutting into another. Just go around uniformly, crimping the "fingers" that are 180 degrees apart and just bring all "level" with the body, no deeper.

The one you need only needs crimping on one end ...

See: http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/electronics/accessories/centerpin.htm

http://www.boatersworld.com/graphics/boatersworld/products/196030035.jpg

http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/electronics/accessories/images/centerpin.gif

[Brad G.]

I second the solderless connector. I messed around with these things a bunch and found these to be the easiest and best reception.

[sagamoron]

Reel-Rascals,

thanks for the info, i was going to shoot you a PM actually if I didn't get a resonse in the next day or so. Appreciate it!

the moron