Coax Cable Question

[erps]

I pulled out an old Loran receiver this weekend. I'm wondering about using the old run of coax for another use, like another VHF antenna or a GPS antenna. Can a person whack the ends off the loran coax cable and solder on the appropriate ends to use if for something else or they all specifically matched to keep the magic from leaking out? Running another coax cable through the boat and up the existing radar mast would be a major chore.

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by erps

I pulled out an old Loran receiver this weekend. I'm wondering about using the old run of coax for another use, like another VHF antenna or a GPS antenna.

Depends on what kind of coax it is and what kind of condition it's in. There should be at least three bits of information on the coax: The manufacturer, the type (e.g.: RG-58A/U) and the manufacturer's part number. The condition is another story entirely. If the coax has been completely protected from the elements and you're not in a saltwater environment, and it's not real old, it's probably okay.

Originally Posted by erps

Can a person whack the ends off the loran coax cable and solder on the appropriate ends to use if for something else ...

Solder? Unless it's an RG8 type coax (about 1/2" thick), I'd use crimp or compression technology. Much easier and much less prone to Getting It Wrong.

Jim