Coax Suggestions..

[BenMara]

For the longest time ive always had a 500'+ spool of RG 8X coax. For CBs, and now Amateur Radio.
Last year i ran out of that RG 8x Coax. But i was running 450 and 600 ohm LL for my HF antennas.
Ive been running DXE 400 series in the shack for the short runs Rx/Tx, meters and tuners. Ive always run my Vhf antenna with RG 8x till i recent took it down and cut the coax apart at the ends. Found that the coax had water intrusion from the corrosion of the shield.

Thinking about replacing all the old RG8x to all my antennas.. Vhf, Hexbeam and ground mounted HF verticals.

What are some coax suggestions.
Ive been intrigued by Messi from Italy lately that MFJ and GigaParts are importing.

What say Ye?

 

[sp5it]

What length of coax and how much power through?

 

[BenMara]

2kw max. Runs are Vhf 100', HF verticals 150', Hexbeam 100'

 

[fogdog]

On my 2 meter antennas I run LMR 400, and my run is 100 Ft. I also use it for jumper coax, but it's hard to make any kind of sharp or even semi Sharp bends. Stuff ain't cheap though.

 

[Tallman]

Ive always run my Vhf antenna with RG 8x till i recent took it down and cut the coax apart at the ends. Found that the coax had water intrusion from the corrosion of the shield. Quoted
The water intrusion has nothing to do with the type of coax, it has to do with improper installation. There is a tape/putty that is put around the connector and there must be a drip loop on the coax. The drip loop is simply slack and will direct the water away from the connector and also is called a service loop.

 

[BenMara]

So DXE 400 for V/Uhf? What about the HF antennas? Hexbeam HF verticals.

 

[fogdog]

Belden 9913 This stuff could be used for everything, and its low loss.

 

[BJ radionut]

Ben:
http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/index.php?cPath=11120
9913 equivalent...cut to length and terminated...pricing is competitive...
Good all purpose HF coax in lengths less than 200 ft.

For VHF/UHF...DXE 400max is what I used for 6 mtr's and my 2m GP...seems very well....I use 240 Flex for jumpers 50 MHz and above.
I used Scotch 3m Coax seal to coat ALL outdoor connections to antennas even the factory terminated ones... HF/UHF/VHF
You should see a marked improvement signal wise on VHF/UHF vs the RG8X in the 100ft length you were using as the difference in spec at 150 MHz is close to 3+ db better(so that's double the TX power and +3 db signal strength/RX)
All the Best
Gary

 

[Shockwave]

Jefatech.com sells an LMR-400 equivalent called LL-400 that is very good and economically priced.

 

[BenMara]

What about Messi? Anyone else have experience with it?
This is the only post i could fine with "Messi"

Ultraflex made by Messi & Paolini is another good make of coax although I don't know if its made it to the USA yet. Ultraflex 7 has losses lower than RG213 at 0.91dB/100ft but is slightly smaller in diameter than RG8 Mini and also has a minimum bend radius of 1.5" so very usable for mobile installations. For base installs, Ultraflex 10 is the same size as RG213 but only has losses of 0.65dB/100ft on 28MHz.

Unlike a lot of coax with foil coating on the insulator it is glued on with the ultraflex so it doesn't creep when you bend the coax.

 

[BJ radionut]

Ben: The M & P has some good spec's...But I have never used any or know of anyone who has.
The UltraFlex 10 looks to have OK spec for for VHF/VHF...but if buying bulk, correct connectors is the key......
So toss up buying direct from MFJ...when several other sources available also...
DX Engineering...Jefatech and Jetstream are also easy to get...

Another good Co. to deal with:
https://www.qsradio.com/shop-now.html#!/Coax-&-Ladder-Line/c/8424427/offset=0&sort=normal

Again correct connectors and tools for correct install is the key when buying bulk.
For VHF/UHF usage you want lowest db loss (@150 MHz)for the length you require.
So best I can offer
All the Best
Gary

Most of the Op's I chat with on 6 mtr's and the VHF/UHF guys go all out and are using...
1/2 inch(.500) or 7/8th's hardline coax...but your getting in the range of $3.00-$4.00 USD per foot plus connectors...So goes back what are you willing to spend?
Remember 3db loss in the length you require at whatever the Highest frequency it will be operated is HALF your power in Loss, before your signal even reaches the antenna, same for RX which is very critical 50 MHz and above...
My 2 cents for what it's worth...

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Most of the Op's I chat with on 6 mtr's and the VHF/UHF guys go all out and are using...
1/2 inch(.500) or 7/8th's hardline coax...but your getting in the range of $3.00-$4.00 USD per foot plus connectors...So goes back what are you willing to spend?

The half inch heliax cable really does make a difference on 6m and up. Nice if you can afford it and the connectors which run between $25 and $45 EACH. I got lucky working in the broadcast business and always kept my eye open for used LDF4-50 half inch heliax. When we replaced a 180 foot tower the riggers were just going to cut the cables at every tower joint but I asked for them to try and save it in as long lengths as possible. I got a couple pieces about 100 feet long and several shorter pieces with connectors from that job alone. I use it even on HF since even the worst coax would cost me more than what the heliax cable did.

 

[Tallman]

It pays to have connections. pun not intended.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Jefatech.com sells an LMR-400 equivalent called LL-400 that is very good and economically priced.

I use the 400 and 400 flex from jefa on my 11m station.

 

[TheRealPorkchop]

Jefatech.com sells an LMR-400 equivalent called LL-400 that is very good and economically priced.

I want to personally thank you for posting that company, their coax prices is awesome. I just looked for myself and I’m amazed, thank you Mr Shockwave for sharing that.