Can I extend GPS receiver cable?

[Tweed]

Hi, I have a Trimble 500 that works the auto boom shutoff on my sprayer. The receiver is mounted in the middle of the sprayer but I think it might be better over the boom. It is a trailed sprayer with steering back axle and I believe that the steering fools the Trimble. I want to know if I get a suitable male/male connecter and add another length of cable that I have (with the original kit), that it will not loose signal strength or something?
Also, is it worth doing it anyway?

 

[B'o'B]

I've made a couple of my own antenna cables up over the years. There will be a limit to the acceptable length but I would guess it would be in the 10s of meters so technically it should be possible. Whether it's worth it or not I wouldn't like to say, but in theory it should be more accurate for boom section control, but as you already have it mounted on the sprayer I would the the impact would be pretty small.

 

[SimpersTradeCounter]

I have known people cut their antennae cable by accident and join them to no avail and have ended up purchasing a new one. So not 100% sure on how successful you might be.

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

Hi, I have a Trimble 500 that works the auto boom shutoff on my sprayer. The receiver is mounted in the middle of the sprayer but I think it might be better over the boom. It is a trailed sprayer with steering back axle and I believe that the steering fools the Trimble. I want to know if I get a suitable male/male connecter and add another length of cable that I have (with the original kit), that it will not loose signal strength or something?
Also, is it worth doing it anyway?

Just on the antenna cabling - you should be able to extend the cable distance, however it might be worth going up in cable size (maybe up to RG214 or LM400 type) to reduce your potential signal losses. To be honest, it probably won't make that much difference as we're talking fairly short distances relatively anyway. The connectors will probably be either N-type or TNC depending on the receiver, I'm not familiar with Trimble.

If you just want a coax cable made up with the appropriate connectors and you're not confident to crimp the ends, then try these guys they came recommended:

http://www.gigatronix.co.uk

 

[Power Harrow Pilot]

I found a two way radio company to make me up some extra leads, are there any local to you?

 

[Tweed]

I think I'll give it a go over winter. If it doesn't work I'll just put it back as I don't want the hassle of threading a new length of cable the whole of the sprayer. There is (or was) a specialist radio company not too far away that would prob help me out with fittings.

 

[B'o'B]

Try this link to the RS website
Im pretty sure 'TNC' type are the right connections for Trimble.

 

[Slick]

Try this link to the RS website
Im pretty sure 'TNC' type are the right connections for Trimble.

Yeah, 'TNC' fittings and RG58 cable.

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

Yeah, 'TNC' fittings and RG58 cable.

Within reason any 50 ohm coax will do the job. RG58 is pretty standard stuff, and thin enough to easily route around the machine. If you're running longer distances (probably not on a machine though) might be worth upping it to a thicker, less lossy cable but then it's harder to route. Horses for courses.

If your happy to strip and crimp your own cable it's pretty easy and all the gear can be got from the likes of RS. After about 2 or 3 cables you've made back the cost of the stripper and crimp tool.