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Flaky BNC Connection Repairable?

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dreel(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 5:45 am Post subject: Flaky BNC Connection Repairable?

I've noticed the satellite signal strength indicators on my GPS90 vary when I rotate or wiggle the antenna cable where it goes into the BNC connection on the GPS.  So far, this hasn't seemed to affect operation in the air, but, since I rely heavily on this mode of navigation, I'm wondering if there is something I could do, short of replacing the unit, to give me a better connection.  Some sort of conductive grease or spray?  The antenna cable is new but the GPS is 8 years old.  I'll soon be going out on tiedown & the unit is mounted to the panel & uses ship's power, so it's environment is about to become more hostile too.



Dave Reel - RV8A

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brian

Joined: 02 Jan 2006
Posts: 643
Location: Sacramento, California, USA

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 6:34 am Post subject: Flaky BNC Connection Repairable?

DAVID REEL wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 I've noticed the satellite signal strength indicators on my GPS90 vary when I rotate or wiggle the antenna cable where it goes into the BNC connection on the GPS.  So far, this hasn't seemed to affect operation in the air, but, since I rely heavily on this mode of navigation, I'm wondering if there is something I could do, short of replacing the unit, to give me a better connection.  Some sort of conductive grease or spray?  The antenna cable is new but the GPS is 8 years old.  I'll soon be going out on tiedown & the unit is mounted to the panel & uses ship's power, so it's environment is about to become more hostile too.


	


One should pull all panel mounted radios about once per year anyway in 

order to clean them, blow out the dust, and clean the connectors. You 

may find that solves any problems you may have.



Given that almost all BNC connectors use gold pins, corrosion and 

contact resistance are usually not a problem. If you are having problems 

with the antenna connector then you need to troubleshoot this before you 

have an in-flight failure. Remember, most GPS antennas have their own 

amplifier built-in that is powered by DC power going up the antenna coax 

cable. It is more likely that it is DC resistance changing the voltage 

arriving at the GPS antenna that is causing your problem.



-- 

Brian Lloyd                         361 Catterline Way

brian-yak at lloyd dot com          Folsom, CA 95630

+1.916.367.2131 (voice)             +1.270.912.0788 (fax)



I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things . . .

- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

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_________________
Brian Lloyd
brian-yak at lloyd dot com
+1.916.367.2131 (voice) +1.270.912.0788 (fax)

I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things . . .
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Dale Ensing

Joined: 11 Jan 2006
Posts: 571
Location: Aero Plantation Weddington NC

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 9:10 am Post subject: Flaky BNC Connection Repairable?

Dave,

I recently discovered the ring nut that holds the BNC connector was loose in

my Garmin 295 allowing it to turn in the housing. You might check that on

yours.

Dale Ensing

do not archive

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_________________
Dale Ensing
RV-6A
Aero Plantation
Weddington NC

klehman(at)albedo.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:59 pm Post subject: Flaky BNC Connection Repairable?

Hi David

If certain there is not a real correctable cause (there usually is) -ypu 

could try Stabilant 22a. I have not tried it on antenna connections but 

it supposedly pretty much removes the need to periodically clean 

connectors and seems to help with intermittent connections. Or maybe it 

just makes me feel better   ....  I haven't noticed it advertised 

lately although I seldom go to the  places that used to advertise it 

anymore.

Ken



DAVID REEL wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  



I've noticed the satellite signal strength indicators on my GPS90 vary when I rotate or wiggle the antenna cable where it goes into the BNC connection on the GPS.  So far, this hasn't seemed to affect operation in the air, but, since I rely heavily on this mode of navigation, I'm wondering if there is something I could do, short of replacing the unit, to give me a better connection.  Some sort of conductive grease or spray?  The antenna cable is new but the GPS is 8 years old.  I'll soon be going out on tiedown & the unit is mounted to the panel & uses ship's power, so it's environment is about to become more hostile too.



Dave Reel - RV8A

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