Anyone make custom ELT Antenna coaxial cables?

[lsissom]

Didn't realize I had only 5' of RG-58 coaxial cable to run between the ACK E-04 ELT and the antenna. I've already drilled the holes, installed the doubler in the aft skin for the antenna. and need 78"
Aircraft Spruce won't do it. The connectors are AMP 227079-5.
Any recommendations?

[fl-mike]

Plenty on Digikey and similar, or I?m sure Stein could hook you up.

[az_gila]

Get it in better RV-400 here -

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-10-FT-RG4...D/131264792575

The connectors you list are standard straight BNC ones.

[snopercod]

You can try L-Com. They have a large selection of cable assemblies in stock.

[Robert Anglin]

Sure, just make it up yourself with some 400 and the fittings. You will need the skill for custom wire runs for the radios and GPS as well. You can order one of the strippers at the same time you pick up the wire and end connectors. I think some of the best prices I have seen come out of "B&C", but most every one has what you need in stock. Just shop around. Once you get used to making your custom wire runs you will not want to go back.
Just an idea. Yours, R.E.A. III # 80888

[tgmillso]

I'm with Gil on this one. All you've got to do is get a set of coax crimp dies for your ratcheting crimper that is suitable for the coax spec you are using (if you've got one of Stein's crimpers, you can get that from them, otherwise if you have another set of crimpers, just look for an equivalent die). Get yourself the connector and cable and strip and crimp. I'm all for making your own cables, as you can get your service loops etc. exactly the right size, which makes for a super clean and professional setup. I could barely tie my shoe laces before I started my panel, but still found that the coax crimping was super easy once you had watched Stein's videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPyLeBIcf9c
Here's the BNC connector:
https://www.steinair.com/product/bnc...imp-connector/
Here's the RG-400 coax (the RG-400 and the RG-58 are interchangeable, the RG-400 just has less losses):
https://www.steinair.com/product/rg-...-cable-50-ohm/
Here's the crimp tool:
https://www.steinair.com/product/rat...er-frame-only/
Here are the dies:
https://www.steinair.com/product/bnc-crimp-die-only/
Once you are set up to do your own crimping you'll never look back. The worst part is that you'll find these ratcheting crimpers so addictive to work with, before you know it you're shelling out $300 for a set of DMC D-Sub crimpers and are building your own avionics harness. Crimping pins is up there with driving rivets, two of the best parts of the aircraft build.
Good luck.
Tom.
RV-7

[BillL]

Originally Posted by Robert Anglin

Sure, just make it up yourself with some 400 and the fittings. You will need the skill for custom wire runs for the radios and GPS as well. You can order one of the strippers at the same time you pick up the wire and end connectors. I think some of the best prices I have seen come out of "B&C", but most every one has what you need in stock. Just shop around. Once you get used to making your custom wire runs you will not want to go back.
Just an idea. Yours, R.E.A. III # 80888

+1 and you don't have to drill huge routing holes for the BNC's.

Edit:One thing - find and buy (the correct) tool to make all the cut/strips on the cable at one swipe. It will save a lot of time.

[maniago]

Stein has a bunch of videos on his page for how to do this stuff. Once you watch them, you'll break the mystery....only slightly easier than sneezing....

[lsissom]

Lots of good info in these replies to my inquiry... didnt realize (neither did aircraft spruce when I called) that the connector part number in the ACK manual are "standard BNC" (thanks Gil !!)
I talked to AFS who I bought the ELT from. They are going to make me up a new cable.
But I like the idea of crimping my own. :-)

Thanks to all who responded.