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Post by OneTwentySeven on Dec 16, 2002 12:01:23 GMT -5
I've heard lot's of advice, myths and stories about coax and what works and what doesn't. Get the hardline!! What's 217? Better than 213? What about connectors? How to ground the shield? Shorter is better!!! I'm thinking of upgrading from 213 to Andrews 1/2 inch hardline.....comments??
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Post by Crossbones748 on Dec 17, 2002 23:29:13 GMT -5
This is just my opinion. Although I mainly use RG-213, I believe all coax has its place. If you have a barefoot mobile, what would be the advantage of using 213 over mini 8? None. Now if youre running 2K watts from a base and the moon raker is 20 yards from the house, you wouldn't want to use RG-58U. Each grade of coax has a different application. As far as I know, over kill dosen't hurt anything. A good quality coax is always better than the econo junk any day. Coax is like radios and antennas, everyone has their own preferance. It is always a good idea to check the specs of coax before you buy it. Remember.....97% sheilding is much better than the 40%. Like I said, thats just my opinion. David  |
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Post by supermudduck on Dec 18, 2002 0:34:11 GMT -5
I agree with David.A lot of people think you have to run the big coax on the base and you dont.I have a roll of the best laying in my closet in case I ever need it.But I run Belden Dragon mini and it has never let me down.Base or mobile.If you are running massive wattage figures over 2k I would use the big stuff at least 95% shield.If you have a very long run (over 100 ft)I would use the big stuff.Low line loss.More efficiant.
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Post by OneTwentySeven on Jan 2, 2003 16:28:26 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice. I have an opportunity to get my hands on that Andrews 1/2 inch hardline and I'm planning on replacing my 213 and updating from three elements to four (Was thinking about 5 but that may be too much for my rooftop). I think this will help me a lot. Im not suffering now but I have been convinced that the antenna and coax are easier and cheaper ways to increase station performance. Comments!!
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Post by Crossbones748 on Jan 3, 2003 0:05:06 GMT -5
127, Keep us updated on the upgrade (beams and coax). Let us know if there is any improvement. We all learn something new everyday. Good luck. David P.S. Don't throw the 213 away. You never know when when you might need it. |
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Post by BionicChicken on Jan 5, 2003 0:55:12 GMT -5
The 1/2 inch Heliax is probably the best you can use for runs less than 150' then you could go too 7/8's Heliax. The line loss on the 1/2 inch is similar to some of the 213 coax you can find when using shorter lengths like less than 100'. Heliax has better sheilding and therefore you have less chance for TVI as a result of poor shield. And it will tote whatever you want to run through it within reason......around 5k Bird watts easy.
Remember the connectors for it are higher priced but once you put it up.....you are through with that part of it forever barring any lightening damage or such. Also remember that the stinger portion that you will use going from the Heliax to the gamma match will be the weakest link of all....use good quality 213..... I would recommend Belden.
BC
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Post by BionicChicken on Jan 6, 2003 17:11:44 GMT -5
I forgot to mention one very important thing on this subject. If your reflected power (SWR) is low as it should be most any coax will work as long it is good quality. The reflected wattage will burn up coax and equiipment very fast. Plus you transmit better with lower SWR!!!!!
I wish you luck and hope that all of it turns out to your likeing.
BC
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Post by OneTwentySeven on Nov 11, 2008 16:28:57 GMT -5
Thought I would take a minute to update this thread with my most recent progress. My antenna project is complete and the results are fabulous!!! I have my rebulit/reinforced Hy-gain Long John up on the roof. Improvements over the original are teflon tube instead of rubber element insolators. Heavier aluminum tubing for the boom. A high performance specilialized balun. Got the 7/8 inch Heliax with 1/2 inch flexible up top. All the correct connectors in place. Performance?? Wonderful....it was worth the wait in getting all the pieces I needed to complete the project. It's tuned great. No SWR on channels 1-14; rises a little after that but not much. I can talk to whoever I hear during skip conditions with about 200 watts AM. Rejection? If I turn it 45 degrees I hear all different stations.....not very technical I know but the short of it is.....it works!!!!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2008 20:54:14 GMT -5
Coax is not much of an issue in signal attenuation at CB frequecies. The thicker stuff should be used if you run high power. I typically use Belden 9913, LMR400, or Davis RF coax. The only other advantage of a good coax is that it has good shielding. If you are running stock, and don't have neighbors, the thin stuff will do.
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Post by OneTwentySeven on Nov 12, 2008 11:57:20 GMT -5
The only reason I used the Hardline coax is because I had it. Only need to acquire the connectors. I do have close neighbors and they might not like it when I start up with the hair-raiser. That won't be the norm but I'm sure to have an excuse to try it out from time to time. Dang antenna talks skip extremely well. Thanks for your advice!!
Question: I've got the roof tower grounded now as is the radio setup. Any other precautions that I should take at this point?
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