What's the best low loss Coax?

Allan · Post by **Allan** » Sat Mar 30, 2002 7:40 pm

What's the best low loss coax cable to use for a length of 75 feet. RG-8X and RG - 59 seem small to be using for transmitting at 40 watts. Would there be a fair amount of power loss using these(RG-8X&RG-59) cables at 75 feet?

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Sat Mar 30, 2002 8:07 pm

It really depends on the freq that you will be using. The higher the freq the higher the loss for any given cable. I usually use LMR-400 for short runs, anything over 75 feet and you should really choose hardline. Keep in mind you lose at every connector as well.

techie · Post by **techie** » Sat Mar 30, 2002 8:08 pm

I think you meant RG-58.. RG-59 is 75ohm TV/Video coax.

Allan · Post by **Allan** » Sat Mar 30, 2002 9:19 pm

Yeah, you're right RG-58. Thanks for the correction!

Will · Post by **Will** » Sun Mar 31, 2002 1:10 am

If it is VHF then LMR400, if UHF then LMR600 for 75 feet or more. And use the Times cable and connectors, don't skimp! Super primo would be 1/2 inch Andrew copper , and 7/8 for UHF, and the cost is upwards of four bucks per foot.

Nomatter how good the radio/antenna, the RF can be sucked up in poor quality cable/connectors, and there are a LOT of cheap cable out there.

raymond345 · Post by **raymond345** » Sun Mar 31, 2002 4:00 am

In Canada we use at lot of 9913 cable.
My self I use 1/2 andrews for these runs.
7/8 over 150 feet.

My two pennies from Canada.

Jonathan KC8RYW · Post by **Jonathan KC8RYW** » Sun Mar 31, 2002 2:10 pm

I still think DavisRF Bury-Flex is a nice all-around coax. It has a PE jacket, so you can bury it, or put it in the sun. It is better then 9913. And, it is quite affordable, compared to LMR400. Check it out. http://www.davisrf.com

Of coarse, the best coax is the one you can get for free!