Guys, you definitely don't want to scrimp on your coax. The only place that
I would even consider using RG-8X would be where you need a 3 or 4 foot
jumper between your radio and amp. For the output of your amp, including to
coax switches, power meters, and the like, buy good quality cables in the
.400 inch diameter range. I know a ham that purchased a SteppIr DB36 like
mine, and decided to save money by using some old hard line that he found on
the ground below a Forest Service tower. I don't have to tell you what
happened!
Alan - N7MIT
Alan R. Downing
Phoenix, AZ
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Pat Byrne
Sent: Saturday, April 25, 2015 9:09 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: RG8X VS RG8U
I'd go with a fresh run of "X" being careful to get good quality
cable. I am led to believe that Belden is made in China now, which
may or may not be of consequence. Ron Milliman has a reputable
supplier of cable. If you need the info, let me know and i will send it
along.
Before I get my Windem back in place a careful exam of the six or
seven year old cable will be in order here. And there is a run of
pretty worn out RG8X through my crawl space to the G5RV. I'm told
that the dielectric doesn't look good and that is on the change out
list for soon as well.
Good luck to both of us!
pat (who isn't leary!)At 10:00 PM 4/25/2015, you wrote:
>I hear you, Pat, and didn't think of the extra weight issue with the RG8U.
>
>I guess I'm just trying to save a few bucks here, but maybe a new run of
>RG8X might be my best bet.
>
>I guess part of my issue with the run of RG8X I think I'm having problems
>with is that it's really not that old, and I'm a bit disappointed it didn't
>hold up better.
>
>I know this is going to sound really strange, but it just feels wet to me.
>And, it smells kind of moldy, like Moisture got into it through the outer
>jacket somehow. Perhaps I could just put new connectors on it, and give it
>a try, but I'm leary.
>
>Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
>
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>On Behalf Of Pat Byrne
>Sent: Saturday, April 25, 2015 10:51 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: RG8X VS RG8U
>
>Tom,
>The "U" will certainly be capable of handling higher power than the "X".
>And there is probably lower loss in the "U", but i bet you would never hear
>it. My only concern would be the considerably higher weight and drag of
the
>replacement coax. i have a good run of "U" here but have been very
>reluctant to run it for just that reason. With an antenna in two trees
>which won't stay in sync. when the wind blows is problematic and the added
>weight of the heavier cable could be an issue.
>Just my thoughts and good luck on the new installation.
>pat, K9JAU At 09:23 PM 4/25/2015, you wrote:
> >Hello, everyone.
> >
> >
> >
> >This afternoon, A friend and I took down my Alpha Delta DXCC antenna
> >from the camp site we used last year, and I'm getting ready to put the
> >antenna up at a different camp site that we will be using this season.
> >
> >
> >
> >I have noticed that the 75 feet of RG8X coax I have used as a feedline
> >for probably the past 1 or two years seems flaky, in that I get a short
> >across both of the coax connectors when I check for continuity. I took
> >off one of the connectors that I felt was questionable, and installed a
> >new one, just to have the same problem recur. I am beginning to think
> >that my best option might be simply to replace the old coax with
> >something new, rather than risk getting the antenna up in the air at
> >the new camp site, only to have a bad feed line.
> >
> >
> >
> >I have 100 feet of RG8U here, and am considering using part or all of
> >that coax run, depending upon how much I will need, rather than buying
> >completely new RG8X. I will have to put connectors on the RG8U if I go
> >this route, but that shouldn't be too big of a deal.
> >
> >
> >
> >My question is this: Can someone tell me how RG8X and RG8U compare,
> >for a simple HF installation? Initially, I was going to put the RG8U
> >in my go kit, and use it for emergency VHF/UHF communications, but if
> >it would be ok for my HF RV installation, I may just go that route for
now.
> >
> >
> >
> >Any wisdom on the topic would be appreciated.
> >
> >
> >
> >Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
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