coax question

[Singularity35]

Once again, I'd like to pick the minds of the braintrust, if I may.

My current setup is a Yaesu FT2900 with 16 meters of RG58 to a CP 22.

When measured with an antenna analyzer, it seems like I have around 3.6db of losses from the cable. Now, I've found some old RG8 but the strands are and the inner wire are kind of discolored but the antenna analyzer returns a reading of 2.2db loss. Would the discolored wires make a difference? Which cable would I be better off with?

Thanks in advance.

If this is in the wrong place, Mods please move.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

The discoloration sounds like it is due to water which is never a good thing. Although it shows 1.4 dB lower loss I would still be leery about using it especially on 2m. It might be OK but then again it might not. Hard call to make. Best to just install some NEW coax and be done with it.

 

[222DBFL]

Is this a base or mobile setup? If base I would recommend at least some good lmr240 or lmr400, if mobile, rg8x, or lmr240. JMO. And use quality connectors as well.

 

[W5LZ]

If it's strictly an "either/or" thingy, then I'm not sure it would make any significant difference. If it's a matter of "what else can I do?", then I'd recommend new cable. So which would seem most likely to you??
- 'Doc

 

[Singularity35]

Thanks for taking the time to answer. I'm tossing this cable then.

I would love to put some LMR400 but it's not available here. I'll probably try to get some online but after I raise my aerial some.

 

[GnG8d]

If you peel the jacket back does the copper become shiny again? If it's only black/dark green on the exposed ends I wouldn't be afraid of it.

 

[Singularity35]

If you peel the jacket back does the copper become shiny again? If it's only black/dark green on the exposed ends I wouldn't be afraid of it.

It's dark around a foot from each end.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Thanks for taking the time to answer. I'm tossing this cable then.

I would love to put some LMR400 but it's not available here. I'll probably try to get some online but after I raise my aerial some.

Where is "here" ?

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

If you peel the jacket back does the copper become shiny again? If it's only black/dark green on the exposed ends I wouldn't be afraid of it.

I have cut back cable like that and used in in a pinch on HF before but preferred to use new cable. Since this is for 2m I'm not so sure I would want to use it. Hard to say how far down the cable the contamination goes but just hasn't changes color yet. Use it in a pinch I suppose and see what happens. Watch it over time however.

 

[Singularity35]

Where is "here" ?

Small city in a third world country(Philippines).

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

That could make it hard to get some LMR400 locally for sure.

 

[Stellasarat]

I BOUGHT LMR 400 OFF EBAY.

I purchased 145ft and 6 3ft jumpers from saigemaiden. The coaxial cable was hands down the best cable I've ever used. Granted the cable I had on hand was 33 years old. The difference in whaight and general look and feel of it was noticeable emidetly. It performs outstanding. Saigemadin was an excellent seller to work with. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Singularity35]

I was thinking amateur radio supplies. Shipping will.be a killer but it will.still be cheaper.than the belden rg8 available here which costs me around $7-$8 per meter.

 

[Mudfoot]

Some places use it for network installs. Might find some scrap that way. How easy is it to get stuff shipped to u from the states by a Joe Blow citizen?

 

[Singularity35]

Some places use it for network installs. Might find some scrap that way. How easy is it to get stuff shipped to u from the states by a Joe Blow citizen?

Not a lot of unused scrap here unfortunately.

I've done a little bit of buying from onlines stores and from the sale sections of forums and I haven't had a problem with USPS and our local PO, but those were small items like pocket knives and flashlights.

Amateur Radio Supplies does say they ship global and I have them bookmarked already.

I've seen some on ebay but my experience has been to go for the reputable online stores rather than individuals on ebay.

I'm still waiting a bit since I still don't know how tall my pole will eventually be. At the moment, I have it 40 feet off the ground with 2 20 foot lengths of GI pipe. I'm still debating with myself whether to just go to 60 feet or go 80 feet. I'm looking at pre-assembled ones that are either 75 feet or 100 feet with the PL-259's at both ends.