Cable shielding...

Vice_hkpnx · 03-02-2003

I just recently bought a fairly cheap 5dBi mag mount antenna, and it's fairly good. The problem is that the cable one it right now is about 10' feet long, and loses 0.4dB per foot! I really don't want to trim it (besides how would I? Do I just solder the ends back together and heat shrink around it?). Is there such a thing as heat-shrink schielding? So I could just shield the entire 10' length?

I accidently posted this in the Antenna FAQ forum. Sorry about that.

Thorn · 03-02-2003

Antenna cables are already shielded. You cannot just cut out a chunk and resolder then ends, that would actually increase your dB loss. The proper way to do it is to place a new connector on the cut cable end. Doing this properly takes the a new connector ($), proper tools ($$), and a bit of patience. All told for a single replacement (assuming an N connector and no tools currently) the costs would be:

Connector: $5-$10
Crimp tool: $30 to $100
Soldering iron: $20 to $100
Solder, heatshrink, etc: $10

Total: $65 to $220 depending on the quality of the tools. Unless you're planning on getting into the business, you'd be better off finding a local ham or two-way radio tech and buying him a beer to help you.

There is no such thing as heat shrink shielding that I'm aware of.

You're crosspost was deleted from the Antenna FAQ Forum. Thanks for noticing the mistake.

03-02-2003	#1 (permalink)
Vice_hkpnx Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1	Cable shielding... I just recently bought a fairly cheap 5dBi mag mount antenna, and it's fairly good. The problem is that the cable one it right now is about 10' feet long, and loses 0.4dB per foot! I really don't want to trim it (besides how would I? Do I just solder the ends back together and heat shrink around it?). Is there such a thing as heat-shrink schielding? So I could just shield the entire 10' length? I accidently posted this in the Antenna FAQ forum. Sorry about that.

03-02-2003	#2 (permalink)
Thorn Did you do the math? Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Villa Straylight Posts: 10,360	Antenna cables are already shielded. You cannot just cut out a chunk and resolder then ends, that would actually increase your dB loss. The proper way to do it is to place a new connector on the cut cable end. Doing this properly takes the a new connector ($), proper tools ($$), and a bit of patience. All told for a single replacement (assuming an N connector and no tools currently) the costs would be: Connector: $5-$10 Crimp tool: $30 to $100 Soldering iron: $20 to $100 Solder, heatshrink, etc: $10 Total: $65 to $220 depending on the quality of the tools. Unless you're planning on getting into the business, you'd be better off finding a local ham or two-way radio tech and buying him a beer to help you. There is no such thing as heat shrink shielding that I'm aware of. You're crosspost was deleted from the Antenna FAQ Forum. Thanks for noticing the mistake. __________________ Thorn "Read Altas Shrugged. Compare it to today. Repeat as necessary"

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