NotMe wrote:

Dave wrote:
go for it. 8x is just fine for hf unless maybe you are planning to run
1500w rtty ragchewing on 10m on a hot day.

NotMe wrote:
I need some help me with a decision on which coax to purchase. I'm a
new
General Class ham and am planning my HF setup.

The standard coax seems to be RG-8. I'm curious if I use Belden RG-8X
(9258), will there be that much difference in performance at about 100'
of coax as compared to using RG-8? I want to use the RG-8X because the
smaller diameter coax will allow me to feed the coax easier into my
house. I suppose I could try to get the RG-8 in the house, but the
place
where I want to bring it in only has minimal space and the RG-8X will
fit
just right.

Thanks.





My setup now only has the stock radio at 100 watts.


If you're not running l-o-n-g runs at 30MHz, RG-58/U will work fine. It's
rated at 250W up to 30MHz, is widely available, less expensive, and smaller
diameter (0.21" vs 0.25") than RG-8X. It will also allow you to use a
decent easy-to-use crimp-on connector (Amphenol #83-58FCP-RFX). The only
caveat is that some versions of '58 are *really* cheesy -- mainly poor
shielding (as bad as only 60% shield coverage). The better cables will have
95% shield coverage.

Whatever cable you go with, for outdoor use, you'll be smart to use one that
is UV-resistant (sometimes described as having a "non-contaminating
jacket"). You'll also want a stranded center conductor, to handle flexing
better. All RG8X cables are stranded, some other types aren't always
stranded. Davis RF (http://www.davisrf.com/) is a good vendor for coaxial
cable & wire antenna parts -- reasonable pricing and excellent customer
service. However, they don't handle the crimp plugs (Digi-Key has 'em).

73,
Bryan WA7PRC