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Coax Question

radioman24

Active Member
Jul 19, 2009
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I am at this point running 100 feet of rg-8u coax the big thick stuff, and i have been reading that this lmr 400 coax is suppose to be the best coax on the market? and also people claim that the rg-213 is suppose to be the best so what does everyone think? i ask cause i am getting a new sirio vector 4000 from h&y and wanna run the best coax i can also who has the best price on the lmr-400?

Thanks,Dan
 

Here's a curve.
The LMR-400 coax isn't flexible - unless you ask for the flexible type. It'a a little hard to deal with because it doesn't flex. I use Belden 9913Flex coax - practically the same specs. Just as expensive - too...
 
I run 213 on my vertical and horizontal to the beam on the tower and I run rg-8u and belden 9913 to a few antenas like my inverted V for 80 meters, 2 meter antennas , Antron 99 and to my Imax 2000 also to my G5RV when it goes back up.
 
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Nothing wrong with using RG-213 on HF, or RG-8 for that matter. That LMR-400, '9913', etc, has benefits at VHF/UHF, but not at HF. Just want to be able to say you have the 'fancy' stuff? Great, knock yourself out. Really want there to be some benefit to it? Don't waste your money.
- 'Doc
 
Depends on the length that you need to use AND how much money you are willing to spend...

If it is a short length (40 ft or less) - go with the LMR-240.
If it is a long length (60 ft or more) - go with the good stuff.
Reduce losses...
 
well i am always being told either 50 feet or 100 feet is the 2 best lenght's for 11 meter's so what coax should i use?

Dan
 
well i am always being told either 50 feet or 100 feet is the 2 best lenght's for 11 meter's so what coax should i use?

Dan
Buy as much as you need. Not an arbitrary length like 50 or 100. Unless you are buying in bulk; then shorten it to your need. Minimuze loss by using only as much as you need.
 
Nothing wrong with using RG-213 on HF, or RG-8 for that matter. Don't waste your money.
- 'Doc
if ya really wanna use the "best", then run hardline.
best advice in the thread: on 11 meters, just run RG-8 from the rig to the antenna.

also, forget all those myths about a certain coax length.

yeah, yeah, i know...... "but my swr meter reading changes when i add/remove coax" :whistle:
 
I have to agree, the infamous 'wallet' has a really big part to play in coax selection for me. That's after I factor in the length needed, wanted, or "think I might use sometime in the future" thingys. Some days I can order that spool of cable and never hear a peep out's that wallet. Then again, at certain times of the year, it's 'newspaper' soup time and that spool of coax doesn't get ordered. I figure that's about as 'normal' as it gets, except for that 'newspaper' soup thingy, and that's just a matter of taste, sort of.

What's the best length for CB use, or ham, or any other service? Usually, a 500 foot spool lasts me for a very long while. Don't think I've ever bought more than that at one time. Sound like a bit 'much'? Of course it is, but just about as much sense as other 'specific' lengths for some reason other than timing/phasing for a legitimate purpose. Which translates as use what it takes to get from here to there with just a little more because you may wanna move stuff later. The only really important factors in that are impedances. The -system- impedances should all the be the same. That starts at the output of the transmitter, goes to the input of whatever is next in line, then repeat those last 10 words till you get to the antenna. The antenna ought'a have the same input impedance as the rest of the system. If you do that, the length of the feed line, or sections of feed lines, will make absolutely no difference. Make them the required "here to there" lengths. That means the whole @#$ antenna system is 'matched', will work well. Basically has nothing to do with brands or 'types' of coax/feed line. Then the only 'losses' you will see will be resistance related, which actually amounts to very, very little.
None of that says anything about how well the whole mess will radiate. That's a function of the antenna, not the feed line. The feed line's only job is to get the signal from transmitter to the antenna. What the antenna does with it just ain't in the feed line's job description (sort of like the old lady suing the guy's burro who grew the coffee beans because she got burned, you know?).

There you go, the long winded way of saying something that's been common knowledge for a long time... but I'll bet you remember it. :)
- 'Doc
 
i see that h&y electronics is selling a 100 foot roll of rg-213 coax with ends for like $72.00 so maybe i should just get that along with the new sirio vector 4000 antenna as a good combo?
 
Yes the RG-213 should do fine..

For the record though ( since you asked)

RG8..RG-213 and LMR-400 are Not the best out there..
of those 3 you spoke of...LMR-400 is the best..

The Fact that you are using it for 11 meters and likely require no more then 100 feet ( and do not Persay want to spend for the Truly Best) then i would say use no less then RG-213..But given that LMR-400 is cheep anyways..then i would go with the LMR-400 or the Beldon 9913 flex..

There are many coax caculators that can show you the loss you would sustain using whatever coax feedline you decide to use..

Many here Blast me for being too extreme and or willing to spend too much money..
Earlier on in the tread one stated LMR-400 does not bend easily ( so he suggested Bendon 9913 Flex)..

Well on HF ( Mostly on 11 meters ) i use True Hardline
Andrews Heliax LDF5-50a ( which is 7/8 inches thick )
This because i use a 140 ft to my Interceptor I-10K..So i encur very little loss and i can be fairly sure i will Not need to replace it for at least 10 years ( its warrantied life span )..

Also i am far less likely to have issues with neighbors due to RF leakage..

However it also seems to enable my radio to "Hear" better without having to put an antenna mounted PreAmp on..

For VHF and UHF i instead use Andrews Heliax LDF7-50a (1 & 5/8 inch coax feedline )..

So..

Be careful when you ask...
What the BEST coax is..

What i use is not even the Best..But is what typically cell phone carriers use for 900 to 1900 mhz (with LDF5-50a ) So i suppose it is good enough for me on HF..

Good luck on your new antenna set up..
The Better you set it up now..
The easier it will be to keep working good and the less issues that will pop up down the road..
 

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