Puxing (SMA) radio antenna relocation kit

[Conker]

Hi,

I'm trying to find an extension cable for an SMA antenna.

I've bought a whip antenna, but I don't want that 30cm thing in my face, however I still want the radio on the front of my CIRAS.

To solve this, I'd like to find an SMA cable I can run thru the MOLLE and the shoulder pads so I can install the antenna in the MOLLE on the back of my plate carrier.

The cable should be around 3 ft.

I'd like to keep the price under 25$, but if you've got something upwards of that, I can consider it. However I can't really go higher than 50$ for now.

Thanks for your ideas!
Conker

[Azathoth]

MRO Electronics. There should be a retail location in your province.

http://198.166.44.233/mro/default.asp

[Oborous]

You are completely going to get what you pay for. Save your money for $25 unless you know a guy that can do it.

You could look up TCI M.A.S.T., but that's out of your pricerange.

You're looking for
SMA-Male to SMA-Female, in RG-174 cable with 99% braid and a milspec strain-relief. You want a high-quality crimp, with the proper tool, not soldered. If you're going all out, you want rhodium connectors (but that doubles your price, for something already out of your price range).

I have something that is not to the above spec, cost me $25, had two made, one died within 4 hours of using it on the field.

Oborous

[Conker]

I've just upgraded a lot of my stuff to higher-end (genuine or quality repro), but as long as the low/midend stuff I had isn't sold, I don't have much money availble, that's why...
So well... let's say anything decent, and I'll see depending on the product if it's worth being added to my to-buy list. But, as close as possible to 25$ would make me happy


Does it makes more sense?

I'd mainly use it for airsoft, but also occasionally for hiking.

Looks like the MAST model 4 (Kenwood SMA-M to SMA-F) would work...

[Styrak]

Do you really need an extended antenna for a 5 watt radio? Lol!

Or is it for the "look"?

[Conker]

4 watt, actually :P

Do I *need*? Probably not. But if it can give me better quality Tx/Rx, and be more effective when I go on hikes in the mountains, well yeah it's useful.

[Azathoth]

Conker, PM Oborous.

He ran 2 antenna's on his Linton 5288/6288 total length of the Antenna was something like 1.5 metres. He purchased a milspec+ custom built adapter and it literally tore itself apart. He spent more on his radio(s) and communication setup than 95% people spend on there LBV, guns, mags, batteries, charger, BDUs, boots.

I'm not joking when I say he spends more than 95% of airsofters ergo most of the time knows his stuff about comms. I own a complete set of Drop zone tactical rig, pouches, and several sets of BDU's and his comms system costs more than all of my nylon.

Trust him when he says it's out of the 25 dollar price range. If you want to increase your power for hiking and adventure racing I suggest an antenna upgrade. There are excellent body antenna's and flexible antennas on the market in the 100-500 dollar price range that can turn your 4 watt radio into a 8-10 watt radio for Rx/Tx.

We've both since Upgraded to a better radio/antenna and well he's going 3-4 more steps beyond what I have in terms of Comms with wireless/bluetooth antenna, Wireless PTT etc.

[Oborous]

TCI Mast

$55 USD (not that it matters at the moment) + Shipping, for your sizes, you'll want the 42 inch, Version-4. I'd really see if the 24 inch would work for you, as weaving extra cable is a PITA.


Az, I wish I could disagree with you... but nope, you're right, I'm running with $900 worth of comms at the moment, and when I finally find an FL5035-01 Peltor PTT I'll be up to $1,200.

[Oborous]

Originally Posted by Styrak

Do you really need an extended antenna for a 5 watt radio? Lol!

Or is it for the "look"?

Body loss can be quite high from an antenna mounted next to your body, and really lobes your output. And, most of it is more from the recieve side... can you do anything to actually hear that crappy 0.5 watt Canadian Tire special radio someone is using from way far away.

[doc_pathfinders]

Oborous, what rig are you running now?

[Conker]

Oborous, thanks a lot for the info. I guess I'll wait a bit so I buy something worthwhile instead of getting a 20 bucks cable that won't last.

[Azathoth]

Originally Posted by doc_pathfinders

Oborous, what rig are you running now?

We are running Wouxun KG-UVD1 Radio's with an antenna that I cannot remember. I'm told Net power ~8.x watts

[Oborous]

Originally Posted by doc_pathfinders

Oborous, what rig are you running now?

primarily:
Wouxun KG-UVD1P (Get the P, not the KG-UVD1, it's different in how it handles dual listen)
Diamond SHRF40 High Gain, broadband (really broadband) antenna... and it'd flexible. (The HRF40 is the BNC version, SHRF40 is SMA (but SMA Female), so pick what you need, the price difference is zilch)

I am trying (so far unsuccessfully) to find the Peltor FL5035-01 (note the -01) PTT with jack for the TK55 (Sniper ring finger PTT button), then with Peltor ComTac II & Throat Mic, plus the wiring harness, etc. I'm just missing the damn FL5035-01. I have backup with a Linton LT-6288, plus the all in one Peltor Throatmike (cannot remember it's product code). Plus the spare batteries, etc. TCI is being typical gov't supplier and not getting back to me near fiscal year end to see if they can make me an SMA to BNC version of their MAST (I have fingered one before, they're nice and will do what I want; my custom MRO from last claybank was... well, like I said, failed in 4 hours).

I have learned, Wouxun software is -great-, do -not- use the USB programming cable, they emulate a com port and are a 'smart' cable, thus requiring a driver... a driver that is cable and OS specific. Just get a Serial (aka DB-9, aka RS-232) cable... 20 minutes to setup the programming file, 30 seconds to program, what a breeze.

The only other thing about the Wouxun is the charger is a bit anemic, make sure you get a full charge as it's a LiPo battery, so when it ends, it ends suddenly. Extra batteries are only a bit more than $10, so get a spare. Note that the 3xAAA battery holder dramatically reduces transmit power.

I love my Wouxun, I know Az like's his (especially that he's changed it to speak in Chinese to him). The rotary encoder is an awesome feature (basically a 2nd knob on the top that you turn to change channels, intead of pulling out your radio and pushing buttons), the dual listen feature is great for airsofters (i.e. listening to admin channel and team channel; or Command channel and squad channel for large games).

Some radio 'porn for you:
James Bond style
Concealable TCR1000 radio
With flat Antenna
With ... well, the James Bond earpiece and wireless ptt

Hard core PMC
Two of Good crypto radio
Behind the plate antenna
Dual PTT
Peltor ComTac II
OR
Boomless headset
OR
Bandaid headset, Bottom this page

[Sportco]

Hey conker, you might want to give these guys a call!

http://www.cablek.com/_home

Cheers,

Pete

Originally Posted by Conker

Hi,

I'm trying to find an extension cable for an SMA antenna.

I've bought a whip antenna, but I don't want that 30cm thing in my face, however I still want the radio on the front of my CIRAS.

To solve this, I'd like to find an SMA cable I can run thru the MOLLE and the shoulder pads so I can install the antenna in the MOLLE on the back of my plate carrier.

The cable should be around 3 ft.

I'd like to keep the price under 25$, but if you've got something upwards of that, I can consider it. However I can't really go higher than 50$ for now.

Thanks for your ideas!
Conker

[doc_pathfinders]

Oborous, when i was back in the UK, i managed to get my team running PRC-350's with a 351 landrover-mounted..

while they are a bit anemic by your power standards, they got the job done quite nicely, and they could take anything that airsoft could throw and laugh it off..

i do miss having a team that knew how to use comm's..