New Coax suggestions

[9C1Driver]

Going to replace the coax on my base this spring/summer, I'm running an IMAX 2000 on 20 foot of mast pipe right now. Going to be setting up a tilt down tower and adding the ground plane kit to the IMAX. Right now I'm using the skinny gray RG8x coax, what would be a nice up-grade from what I have?

 

[PapaLima]

LMR400UF or if you want same size like rg8x - LMR240UF. I am using for years on the base as well as in my mobile. isn't cheap, but worth every cent. Probably the best coax. Check here http://abrind.com/
73

 

[222DBFL]

Agree with the above post 110%. Some good LMR400UF or LMR240UF. Both will work well. And both have good UV properties and will stand up to the sun a lot better than the grey RG8X.
Just make sure to get quality coax. Times microwave, Andrew, Commscope, Judd Wire, 123 wireless, Eupen, Shireen, Jefa tech, and some others have pretty good coax. Like said, just make sure it's quality stuff. Hope this helps and keep us posted as to what you get!! Have a good one.

 

[222DBFL]

Also great link PapaLima!!

 

[Road Squawker]

as far as performance goes, you will not notice any difference on 27 MHz between LMR 400 and 9913.

http://www.forumsforums.com/3_9/attachment.php?attachmentid=89276&stc=1&d=1487121886


BTW, @ 27 MHz, LMR 240 (1.27 dB/100 foot) has TWICE the loss that LMR 400 (.663 dB/100 foot) has.

9913 is .644 dB/100 foot loss.

 

[543_Dallas]

Jefa tech sells their version of lmr400 for less than the price of rg213 just remember the center conductor is solid. If you move the coax a lot go with something flexible like 213 or rg8. No benefit to paying for the flexible variety of lmr400.

I run the solid core cable into the shack and its mounted to a bracket with a double female so239. I use a short rg213 jumper so I can disconnect my equipment without flexing the jefa tech brand lmr600.

 

[Grogan]

http://www.hamuniverse.com/coaxdata.html
A good read about coax.

 

[Blackcat630]

The wireman is where I got a lot of my coax. Seems like good quality stuff and priced reasonable. Website is thewireman.com. I have a few runs of the "super 8" I use for hf. I also run the jefa tech lmr 400, seems like good stuff as well.

 

[n8fgb]

http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=11040&products_id=19430

 

[fourstringburn]

I bought some Jeffa Tech lmr 240 once and I noticed the shield was real thin wires and a a very loose braid on it. Didn't like it, I'm glad I only bought 50 ft. of it

Have you guys experienced the same?

Maybe it was a Chinese Jeffa Tech knock-off. If you want LMR, I say go with Times Microwave. Use the /UF if you need flexibility, if not the solid core is better.

 

[Grogan]

I like RG-213 and know people who say the had problems and would never buy coax with a solid center wire.if you read charts you can find much of the coax is overkill. on 11 meters ...Now on 70cm and 1.2Ghz different story. Also mil spec RG-213 is also good for direct burial!!!

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Solid core is fine. Just don't use it where it flexes a lot and NEVER around a rotator.

 

[543_Dallas]

I bought some Jeffa Tech lmr 240 once and I noticed the shield was real thin wires and a a very loose braid on it. Didn't like it, I'm glad I only bought 50 ft. of it

Have you guys experienced the same?

Maybe it was a Chinese Jeffa Tech knock-off. If you want LMR, I say go with Times Microwave. Use the /UF if you need flexibility, if not the solid core is better.

Ive never bought any 240 from them. Their lmr400 seems ok but ive never had any times microwave brand to compare it to.

Their rg213 is as good as any ive had. The insulation around the center conductor fits tight and is a little harder to strip than most.

I can't really comment on their lmr600. I had them put the connectors on since I don't have a crimping tool.

 

[543_Dallas]

I like RG-213 and know people who say the had problems and would never buy coax with a solid center wire.if you read charts you can find much of the coax is overkill. on 11 meters ...Now on 70cm and 1.2Ghz different story. Also mil spec RG-213 is also good for direct burial!!!

A local guy had some issues with solid core but he caused them. His stripping tool was nicking the center conductor and it would break off if it was flexed the slightest bit.

 

[fourstringburn]

Ive never bought any 240 from them. Their lmr400 seems ok but ive never had any times microwave brand to compare it to.

Their rg213 is as good as any ive had. The insulation around the center conductor fits tight and is a liI can't really comment on their lmr600. I had them put the connectors on since I don't have a crimping tool.

Thanks for the tip, I normally use RG213/U for all my HF gear including mobile where I need something fairly rigid but still flexible enough for bends. I'll look into Jefa 213 when I need more.

Unless I misunderstood Grogan's post, All the RG213 coax have ever seen was a stranded center conductor.