dual antenna,cur cable?

[dlngr]

I drive a 99 Mack that doesn't belong to me. It has dual antennas,and I'd like to keep them. So I need 18' rg 59 cable on each side?? My question is,what if I have to cut just the last 1&1/2 inch off both sides of a prebuilt cable set,to re-install connectors?? I have a hole on both doors just big enough to run the cable through.

[thetez]

you need co-phased rg 59 coax cable. a dual antenna system needs and if you cut an inch and a half off its not going to hurt anything.

[dlngr]

Thanks for the reply!!,I think it will be OK,but don't want to throw more money at this thing! I've already done it with rg58,then read up more about it and found out I screwed up [again!] So 18' of rg58 will probably go in the dumpster..

[thetez]

no problem, thats what were here for.... but i didnt quite understand that last comment? are you sticking with the rg 58? and if so is it co-phased?? cuz you should have co phased rg 59 ... it cost anywhere from 12 bucks to 30 bucks, if you look in the right shops. (co phased coax makes a V)

[dlngr]

Originally what I did was removed the factory co-phased coax.It was torn in half at the door hinge area. I bought a 18' rg58,cut it in half and used it -[9ft for each side] I'd read that the correct length of cable was "enough to reach fron antenna to radio" .But afterwards,when it didn't work well,I read a lot more and learned I actually needed 18" of rg59 on EACH side,for a co-phased system.-So now I need to buy the rg59,and start over.
The easiest way I can find the rg59,is to buy a pre-rigged dual co-phased setup from the local SAPP Bros.-I think it is about $20.00
But,I will have to cut off the connectors,to put the cable through the door holes,then resolder new fittings when the cable is installed.Thats why I would lose about an inch and a half on the length on both sides. Will I be good to go with this? or maybe go to radio shack and buy 36+ feet of cable and 4 connectors?
And,what's the difference between rg59a,and rg59au ???? Thanks again !

[kd5drx]

Originally Posted by dlngr

Originally what I did was removed the factory co-phased coax.It was torn in half at the door hinge area. I bought a 18' rg58,cut it in half and used it -[9ft for each side] I'd read that the correct length of cable was "enough to reach fron antenna to radio" .But afterwards,when it didn't work well,I read a lot more and learned I actually needed 18" of rg59 on EACH side,for a co-phased system.-So now I need to buy the rg59,and start over.
The easiest way I can find the rg59,is to buy a pre-rigged dual co-phased setup from the local SAPP Bros.-I think it is about $20.00
But,I will have to cut off the connectors,to put the cable through the door holes,then resolder new fittings when the cable is installed.Thats why I would lose about an inch and a half on the length on both sides. Will I be good to go with this? or maybe go to radio shack and buy 36+ feet of cable and 4 connectors?
And,what's the difference between rg59a,and rg59au ???? Thanks again !

You will be fien with reconnecting the ends 1 or 2 inch's want make that much difference. and the rg59a is regular coax meant for indoor. The AU has ultraviolet protection to help with the sun protection for out door use.

[thetez]

yup... /\

one thing... if you havent dont it before and you dont want to mess up the cables, try using no-solder connectors, they are a little more expensive... like ... a dollar... but if you dont know how to do it i think its worth it. But if you are familiar with this typa thing then go for it. It is pretty easy i used a knife and a soldering iron for the entire process.

[dlngr]

Great ! Thanks guys-now I know what to buy!