HELP!!! Cut Transducer Cable

[Boatdrinks]

Ok guys ...I had a little "incident" with a pair of side cutters and now have a transducer cable that is in two pieces! I know....but dookie happens, right? My question is, how should I splice it back together? It is like an antena coax...cut clean in half. I have heard that it is a big "no-no" to cut a transducer cable. How is this going to affect my fish finder (eagle)? Thanks guys...

 

[jurgenscraft]

Re: HELP!!! Cut Transducer Cable

What I would try is to use two coaxial cable connectors (PL259) or similar, connect these to the ends of the cable connector and use a barrel connector to join the two coaxial cable plugs. most ham radio CB suppliers or radio shops will have the various plugs you will need, they might even have the facilities to crimp the plugs onto the cable

 

[JohnRuff]

Re: HELP!!! Cut Transducer Cable

Can you post here the diamater of the cable? What is the center conducter - solid or braided? What is the shield - is it a metal film or stranded braid or both?<br /><br />www.circuitspecialists.com

 

[jlinder]

Re: HELP!!! Cut Transducer Cable

I would add to see if there is any markings on the cable that indicates what it is. Look for something like RG-6, or RG-59, etc.<br /><br />Any info you can get is a big help. (And don't forget to answer JohnRuff's questions

 

[dingbat]

Re: HELP!!! Cut Transducer Cable

I've installed many a sounder in my days and can’t say that I remember anything that used a coax cable to the transducer. Most us a multi-wire shielded cable which is easy to repair with a little patience. Just make sure to rewrap the shielded wires with aluminum foil when you’re done. Splicing a wire on the DF has no adverse effects whatsoever if done properly.

 

[Boatdrinks]

Re: HELP!!! Cut Transducer Cable

Ok guys...got her fixed. This is what I did: I got a Coax splicing kit from Radio Shack: Model 278-269. You strip the covering back on both wires and insert them into this. You then crimp and screw to secure the wires. Add some dielectric and cover it with some funky waterproof rubbery stuff that is included in the kit. I tested it yesterday and it works like a charm... Went to known waters and it seemed to be accurate, working just like before. Looks like I lucked out! Thanks, guys... At least I had a happy ending!

 

[whalerbeliever]

Re: HELP!!! Cut Transducer Cable

About how much was that kit? Got the same problem, and was going to try the electrical tape and aluminum tape idea.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: HELP!!! Cut Transducer Cable

Way overkill and I dislike "crimping" on "signal" carrying circuits. Bare the wires, add heat shrink on the individual wires, and piece long enough to cover the entire repaired area. Solder each wire and shrink the heat shrink tube. Make sure the foil covers the shielding on both sides of the joint and heat shrink the entire cable. You don't end up with a great big bulge and a coating of whatever. It makes a very professional repair.