Radarcable endings, can they be cut off and reconnected?

[Franziska]

Hi everybody,

I have a welder put two support struts on my arch.
One for a Windgen one for a Radar.

Have bought neither one of the equipment yet.

We want to route the cables through the arch.
Obviously we want as small holes as necessary.
Does anyone know if it is possible to take of the endconnector on the cables usually delivered with radar sets.
Can I cut off and reconnect?
Any thoughts on this?

The Windgen cable will not cause trouble I believe.Standard 12v cable.

Thanks,

Franziska




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[model 10]

We have a JRC radar and the pins and wires in the plugs are removable. No cutting required. If you do cut them , splice the shielded wires correctly.

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Franziska

...We want to route the cables through the arch...

Then make the holes large enough to pass the connectors. Why complicate it? It's just as easy to do it right. If you already had the work done, fix your error.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

Then make the holes large enough to pass the connectors. Why complicate it? It's just as easy to do it right. If you already had the work done, fix your error.

If you have a 1.5" tube, you can hardly drill a 1" hole in it for a radar plug.

[SailFastTri]

Franziska - my thoughts: Put the radar on the mast so it is less likely to shadow the solar panels. (I looked at your web site and see you have solar panels on the arch.)


You didn't say what brand/model of radar. They have different types of cables. You can splice most types if you try to minimize disruption to shielded conductors and keep twisted pairs twisted. However I would try to keep any splices inside the boat to minimize corrosion and water effects.

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Guy

If you have a 1.5" tube, you can hardly drill a 1" hole in it for a radar plug.

Don't be silly--of course you can put a 1" hole in a 1.5" tube (but not the reverse). Not only a 1" hole, but you can even elongate it to 2", if necessary.

As far as 1.5" tube, build it from any size tube required. It is the amateur installations that require cutting off connectors. Absolutely unnecessary.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

Don't be silly--of course you can put a 1" hole in a 1.5" tube (but not the reverse). Not only a 1" hole, but you can even elongate it to 2", if necessary.
It is the amateur installations that require cutting off connectors. Absolutely unnecessary.

I think there is a rule of thumb somewhere that says you can't go over 80% of the dia., so you are right but it would depend on where you put this huge hole too.
Connectors are not that hard to take apart. Some of the aerospace connectors are a nightmare but you won't find that kind of connector here.

[Cheechako]

Cutting no problem on the old CRT type, dont know about the new digitals though.

[Terra Nova]

There's no rule preventing you from using tubing of any adequate diameter and even reinforcing it with inner and/or outer sleeves or other means of meeting structural requirements.

As I said, it is an amateur approach, and saves nothing, to intentionally make the electronics installation and service/replacement difficult. Also modifying attached cables could likely void your warranty.

[Franziska]

Hi.Thanks so far.

Will not drill oversize if I can avoid.
Unnecessarly weakens the tubing.

Looks like cable connector can be usually removed. Good makes threading the cable much more easy.
Have not bought radar yet. That's why I ask if it is an issue to cut and reconnect or not.

Still Lady Rover happens to be on the hard at a welding company, so this is a great moment to get the struts mounted.

If at all, best oversize holes would be axially at the top end and on the bottom of the tubing :-)
Might be an option. Still has the issue that rain water might get through the arch into the boat.
This is solvable though.

Btw. valid point on shadow on solar panels.
Tricky though my mast has no spreaders to conveniently mount radar.
Will look into special bracket.

Thanks again this forum is awesome!

www.ladyrover.jimdo.com

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Franziska

...Looks like cable connector can be usually removed...
my mast has no spreaders to conveniently mount radar...

Wrong.

You don't need spreaders to mount radar.

[Franziska]

...few words later:Looking into special bracket :-) ...

www.ladyrover.jimdo.com

[hellosailor]

Since the boat is still at the welders, you can have them install a 2" junction box or a four or six inch section of 2" pipe at the base of the tubing. Anything that is asesthetic and strong and WIDE ENOUGH so that you don't have to worry about the cable entry compromising the strength.


While all cables are "spliced" and hand-made to some degree, you will be hard pressed to match the quality and reliability of a factory-made cable. And if it ever needs replacement, much simpler if you don't need to try duplicating the quality somewhere without proper tools.


See what the shop can come up with in simple ideas.

[Terra Nova]

Also it is folly to build a mount for equipment not yet even chosen, as each brand/model radar scanner has its own unique footprint. Better to pick one, first, even if you wait to purchase.

[Franziska]

@Terra Nova glad you show such a positive attitude.

@all others.Thanks.


www.ladyrover.jimdo.com