Best type of coax?

[Brian G]

Hi
Survey: what is the “best” coax type to use either for patch cord or longer runs? I always used to use regular RG8. But now everything is that thin 8x stuff. Not sure if that’s really any good because of the thinner profile.

would be interested in opinions.
Thanks.

 

[DJboutit]

LMR 400 works just fine for CB Radio it is a little pricey though

 

[357]

the best is rg214
second is rg213

I have times microwave lmr400 but I'm not really happy with it

 

[sp5it]

What is longer run? 50, 150m?

 

[groundwire]

The biggest and most expensive you can afford. People always spend hundreds or thousands on their station and then want to nit pick and go the cheapest route on transmission line. Same with antennas, it boggles my mind

 

[snippits75]

You can still buy RG-8/U. It's not the thin stuff.

 

[BJ radionut]

R&L Electronics Search Results RG213 with CONNECTORS (randl.com)
AMPHENOL PL259 EACH END

R&L Electronics Search Results RG8 with CONNECTORS (randl.com)
AMPHENOL PL259 EACH END


Jetstream (jetstream-usa.biz)

 

[Ranch55]

I am really partial to RG400 for patch cords and jumpers .......

 

[HomerBB]

I like 400, too, but in short jumper lengths it's like wrestling with a python and losing.
For short jumpers, 6" to 6', I like RG8x. Flexible, not bulky, and in short usage inconsequential losses even for VHF.
Furthermore, I can't afford to pay the cost of LMR400 jumpers. Small jumpers are proportionately more expensive as they shorten for any type coax. I do not like rolling my own where jumpers are concerned. Make and market some good reasonable cost compression fittings like are available for F type connections and I'm on board.

 

[Christopher17]

I bought what I thought is the "good stuff" for my base station, DX Engineering RG8X and am not really happy with it , does some wierd swr things like the cheap mobil stuff, next coax purchase will be RG213

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

I bought what I thought is the "good stuff" for my base station, DX Engineering RG8X and am not really happy with it , does some wierd swr things like the cheap mobil stuff, next coax purchase will be RG213

I had 8x jumpers in my shack. One day I had to tear the whole thing apart to find a bad connection. Replaced it all with 400 flex and the funky swr stuff went away.

 

[HomerBB]

I think "weird" SWR behaviors due to adding jumpers is most likely because that length happens to change the overall length of the feedline often resulting in impedance transformation consequentially and coincidentally. (Or, as SM said, bad connections on the jumpers. Not all coax of the same type are created equally).
Sometimes I hope by adding a jumper inline to the feedline it works in my favor.
This, IMO, can occur when changing bands, or using it over very wide bandwidth sweeps.

 

[fourstringburn]

I use RG213 on HF for the antenna runs and the more flexible RG8 for jumpers. I prefer large but flexible cable for jumpers.

I make my own cables using silver teflon crimp shield/solder tip connectors. With the proper tools like using a coax stripper and ratcheting crimper and die set, I can easily make solid connectors in minutes.

 

[HomerBB]

I have a crimper, but doesn't ratchet. Need a better one, I suppose.

 

[freecell]

the best is rg214
second is rg213

I have times microwave lmr400 but I'm not really happy with it

rg213 and 214 have almost twice the loss of lmr400. i suggest you check your connectors.