Is it possible to splice coax and still RX/TX?

[stlouisx50]

I was wondering if it's possible to splice together coax that has become damaged from the car door closing on it. The wires are exposed and was wondering if it's possible to salvage the antenna.

I am concerned if you can, if the swr's would be too far off or not. Any info is appreciated. I would be using this for the CB Radio band.

 

[mikewazowski]

No, you cannot splice it.

You either have to connectorize each end and use a barrel connector or replace the entire run of coax.

 

[stlouisx50]

Thanks Mike. I have a few barrel connectors. I don't have that much luck crimping on connectors to the coax. But I guess an attempt at it is better than it sitting collecting dust. Thanks.

 

[stlouisx50]

I know, you may crucify me for asking this. But I have trouble using the compression type "F" connectors can I use the old twist on kind?

 

[mmckenna]

I was wondering if it's possible to splice together coax that has become damaged from the car door closing on it. The wires are exposed and was wondering if it's possible to salvage the antenna.

I am concerned if you can, if the swr's would be too far off or not. Any info is appreciated. I would be using this for the CB Radio band.

Yes, you can splice it.

There are some RG-58 splice connectors out there, but I haven't seen them in a while.
- found one, here they are: Amazon.com: SPLICE CONNECTOR for RG8X & RG58AU: GPS & Navigation notice the low reviews...
For higher end cable, like 1/2" heliax hardline, you can purchase splices:
https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=95572&eventPage=1

Here's why you probably shouldn't do it, though:
The cheap splices for RG-58 aren't very reliable.
RG-58 is cheap cable, it's much easier to just replace the cable.
If not done right, you can get an "impedance bump" which can cause issues.

For a CB antenna, were talking a couple of watts. Unlikely, if done right, you will damage anything. A small impedance bump isn't going to be the end of the world for to a CB.

You can get a crimp or solder on connector for the RG-58, in fact you can get a male connector for one side and a female connector on the other and just connect them together. A properly installed connector (or two) isn't going to be a big deal. While all connectors have some sort of loss, it's usually on the order of 0.1dB or so on a properly installed connector. I'd challenge anyone to hear a 0.1dB drop in signal without using test equipment.

But seriously, take the antenna apart and install a new cable. Route the new one so it doesn't get damaged, or better yet, do a permanent install once and for all.

 

[stlouisx50]

Yes, you can splice it.

There are some RG-58 splice connectors out there, but I haven't seen them in a while.
- found one, here they are: Amazon.com: SPLICE CONNECTOR for RG8X & RG58AU: GPS & Navigation notice the low reviews...
For higher end cable, like 1/2" heliax hardline, you can purchase splices:
https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=95572&eventPage=1

Here's why you probably shouldn't do it, though:
The cheap splices for RG-58 aren't very reliable.
RG-58 is cheap cable, it's much easier to just replace the cable.
If not done right, you can get an "impedance bump" which can cause issues.

For a CB antenna, were talking a couple of watts. Unlikely, if done right, you will damage anything. A small impedance bump isn't going to be the end of the world for to a CB.

You can get a crimp or solder on connector for the RG-58, in fact you can get a male connector for one side and a female connector on the other and just connect them together. A properly installed connector (or two) isn't going to be a big deal. While all connectors have some sort of loss, it's usually on the order of 0.1dB or so on a properly installed connector. I'd challenge anyone to hear a 0.1dB drop in signal without using test equipment.

But seriously, take the antenna apart and install a new cable. Route the new one so it doesn't get damaged, or better yet, do a permanent install once and for all.

Thanks! I will disassemble the antenna and try to rewire it. I had tried to use 2 connectors and a barrel which It seemed like I could receive , but transmitting seemed a little fishy. I was able to talk to someone less than a mile away. Not sure if it's where I was or if it was the connection.

I'll break it down now, and skip the connectors and let you know how it goes. Thanks.

 

[prcguy]

Yes you can splice many types of coax but it takes some skill and I don't recommend it for critical or high power use. I've spliced lots of coax cables by carefully prepping the center conductor, dielectric and shield, then soldering the two center conductors together and covering the bare soldered center conductors with a cut open length of dielectric from the same type of cable. Then prep and solder the braids together without compromising the shielding, then covering that with hot glue heat shrink.

I've measured cables spliced like this and they are usually good for use to at least 500Mhz. I only do this in the field when there is no other solution or its for something temporary and non critical.
prcguy

 

[TheSpaceMann]

When I was a kid and my coaxial cable broke (or was cut), I would just attach the hot leads and grounds together, and cover them up with electric tape! I got back on the air, but I must have had some big losses! (as long as I got out, I was happy!)

 

[mikewazowski]

Well, I learned something tonight. I didn't realize you could splice RG58.

Although at the price of the splice parts, I think I'd replace the line.

 

[TheSpaceMann]

Well, I learned something tonight. I didn't realize you could splice RG58.

Although at the price of the splice parts, I think I'd replace the line.

Just attach the hot and the ground leads for a temporary fix, and use electrical tape to insulate them from touching together.

 

[mmckenna]

Well, I learned something tonight. I didn't realize you could splice RG58.

Although at the price of the splice parts, I think I'd replace the line.

Yeah, absolutely. West Marine used to sell those RG-58 splices. They were intended for fixing an antenna in an emergency. I've looked at them up close and they just clamp down sort of like a drill chuck. I certainly wouldn't trust one unless it was my only choice. Not waterproof in any way.
I do agree, replacing the cable is a much better way to go.

Not the "right" way to do it, that's for sure.

 

[TheSpaceMann]

Yeah, absolutely. West Marine used to sell those RG-58 splices. They were intended for fixing an antenna in an emergency. I've looked at them up close and they just clamp down sort of like a drill chuck. I certainly wouldn't trust one unless it was my only choice. Not waterproof in any way.
I do agree, replacing the cable is a much better way to go.

Not the "right" way to do it, that's for sure.

You can find 18 feet of RG 58U cable with connectors for around $8 on Amazon! It's sold by Road Pro.

 

[stlouisx50]

Wow, I am getting out pretty darn good. It was an easy fix. Thank you so much! There is no point to splice when you can unscrew 1 screw, 1 nut, unsolder 2 connections and work in reverse.

 

[Voyager]

You can splice about anything, but it's not very practical - much less work to just replace or add connectors (& often more reliable for the inexperienced splicer).

It's not easy to avoid impedance bumps. Possible, but not easy.