coax length

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Apr 30, 2017
Messages
2
Location
Niagara, Canada
hey everyone. I've got an Uniden with a proper mag mount antenna and the coax is only about 10 to 12 feet which is not long enough for me. If I was to get about 25' foot extension would my scanner still work right? Or would that throw everything off? I can only seem to find 25 foot cords and I'd have to use a BnC connector joiner, but I'm worried it won't work properly. Or should I buy a new antenna with a longer cord? Looking for advice. I listen to OPP EMS and FD and MTO if that helps with freq range.

thanks
 

gonefishn1

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2016
Messages
550
Location
Clark County Nevada
You don't want a lot of extra coax that you don't need because of loss. So its best to get a cable made to the length you need. There are plenty of places that make custom length cables. Or you can get the connector and crimper and make it yourself.
 
Joined
Apr 30, 2017
Messages
2
Location
Niagara, Canada
You don't want a lot of extra coax that you don't need because of loss. So its best to get a cable made to the length you need. There are plenty of places that make custom length cables. Or you can get the connector and crimper and make it yourself.

ok guess ill maybe talk to the place i bought this antenna in toronto and maybe see if i can get one made with about 20' its just too short. i almost think its only 10'

thanks
 

mmckenna

I ♥ Ø
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
23,615
Location
Hiding in a coffee shop.
I agree, it's not going to hurt anything.

Yes, it'll add some more coaxial cable losses, but that'll happen if you build a custom mount with extra cable. There is going to be a tiny bit of additional loss from the extra connectors, but unless you have high end test equipment, you'll never know it's there.

Just add what you need. Next time you replace the mag mount, get one with longer cable.
 

n9mxq

Member
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Dec 15, 2005
Messages
1,840
Location
Belvidere IL
A good reference for loss.. Coax Attenuation Chart

A good RG-58 at 100 foot long shows 4.8db loss.. so your 25 foot addition would add 1.2db of signal loss.. and at VHF I doubt you'd notice it at all unless you were on the fringe of the system
 

Rred

Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2014
Messages
830
Just buy a good quality coax, and wrap the joint (connection) with something like Coaxseal or self-fusing butyl tape (or silicone) to ensure it is watertight, if it is going to be outside the vehicle.
 

bharvey2

Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2014
Messages
1,842
Please, no butyl. If you ever need to get at that connection in the future, you'll regret using butyl.

Instead, use the tape SlicerWizard recommended. If your near a Home Depot, this stuff is very similar: https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.scotch-130c-linerless-rubber-splicing-tape.1000101995.html

Oh yeah, butyl can be a nightmare. However, before using it, wrap the connector with a thin layer of teflon tape. Then overlay with butyl tape. The butyl still needs to be in direct contact with cox at each end of the wrap to maintain a weathertight seal. When the time comes that you need to remove the butyl, you don't have near the amount of frustration.
 

mikewazowski

Forums Manager/Global DB Admin
Staff member
Forums Manager
Joined
Jun 26, 2001
Messages
13,457
Location
Oot and Aboot
Even using a "courtesy wrap" of electrical tape is frowned upon although it's better than straight butyl.

Butyl gets everywhere and can be a real sticky mess. Our rigging crews will let you know exactly how they feel about it when they encounter it.

We were supplied butyl for temporary repairs and the riggers confiscated it as soon as they saw it. They were quite happy to hand out rolls of Scotch 130C tape to replace it.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top