VOR Coax cable length

Steam Gauges, Glass Cockpit, IFR Navigators, VOR Antennas,etc.
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Montreal
Posts: 29
Joined: Tue Apr 04, 2023 2:09 pm
Location: Houston, TX KSGR

VOR Coax cable length

Post by Montreal »

I am planning to install a VOR antenna on vertical stab (Midwest PB recommended AV525 for VOR/LOC/GS) and I'm looking for advice on VOR Coax length before I rivet things closed.
  • What is a good working length tail to panel?
  • Did you create a connected system (tail, fuselage, avionics) or run the full length without in-line connectors?
  • What coax type did you install? RG-400?
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ibgarrett
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Location: Westminster CO
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Re: VOR Coax cable length

Post by ibgarrett »

My VOR had the cable hard wired into the antenna if I remember correctly. You just need the cable long enough to get to the end of the vertical stabilizer with a BNC connector on it. You'll be attaching the vertical stabilizer long after the rear fuselage is done, so you'll have a cable to connect to the fuselage. The RG-400 looks to be correct, but Midwest also may be able to supply you the correct cable.
Brian Garrett
Montreal
Posts: 29
Joined: Tue Apr 04, 2023 2:09 pm
Location: Houston, TX KSGR

Re: VOR Coax cable length

Post by Montreal »

Thanks @ibgarret I just received antenna package today from Midwest PB and they included a coax (M17/128 RG-400) with bnc connectors for the length of the vertical stab... one step ahead of me every-time. As you mentioned, I'll wait until I can run an accurate measurement—avionics/fuselage/empennage—before I buy $5/foot coax. Appreciate the feedback and looooooove the paint scheme!

Update from Midwest PB 08/29/2025:
Install at minimum two sections (tail and fuselage) with approximate total length 30 feet.
Midwest PB Antenna link: https://shop.midwestpanels.com/product/ ... a-faa-tso/
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