Old VHF connections will not fit newer VHF?

[Perithead]

Well, the first weekend on the boat, I brought down a newer VHF I had lying around the house because the one that was on the boat was just too old and outdated said my surveyor.

I brought the newer one on board and went to hook it up and found out that the only wire with the proper connector is the coax/antenna wire. Well go figure.

What should I do about this problem. I dont really want to run all new wires, although it wouldnt be to to difficult, but I wonder if I could just cut the old connectors off and replace them with the proper ones. If so, where can I purchase just the connectors? If not then where could I purchase the wireing without buying a new VHF.

[k1vsk]

I'm assuming you are referring to the power (12VDC) and speaker wires, all of which can be easily spliced with proper butt connectors to the ones appropriate for the new radio and can be had from a decent electronic parts store or an internet search. Without knowing exactly what type conenctors you are looking for, it's not easy to direct you to a specific source.

[TrueBlue]

RadioShack, among many electronics supply stores, has various connectors for this task, as well as butt connectors for splicing onto the existing 12v wires (and remote speaker wires, if applicable). You may even match up new connectors to whatever male/female connectors exist.

However, I would select marine grade connectors for your VHF - available online or at your local marine supply retailer.

[Perithead]

Thank you for the replys.

So would I find what I need at a place like West Marine?

[k1vsk]

Originally Posted by Perithead

Thank you for the replys.

So would I find what I need at a place like West Marine?

It depends on which WM store - some carry a larger variety of connectors than others but it is just as good a place to try as any other

[sailingdog]

The electrical connections, like speaker and power connections can be pretty easily fixed using butt splice connectors, and they'll have marine grade ones at WM...but get the good ratcheting crimping tool at Home Depot instead, since it is 60% the cost of the same item at WM.

You should also be able to get some non-solder crimp on coax antenna connectors for the antenna cable, that are relatively simple to install, in case you need to change the end of the antenna cable.

[camaraderie]

This is what you need:

Marinized Male/Female crimp connectors that let you remove radio in the future without cutting wires. Here:
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com...al/ANC-710.jpg

[sailingdog]

If you use the spade connectors, please make sure the female ones are covered with electrical tape, so they don't short out.

[sailaway21]

Cam learned how to wire that way installing car stereos on Long Island, NY. Wired that way the thieves don't rip out half your wiring harness when they steal your car stereo. (g)

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

If you use the spade connectors, please make sure the female ones are covered with electrical tape, so they don't short out.

I second that as well as use electrical approved silicon to seal the connection IN CASE OF moisture or water ingression....