Chuck wrote in
:

....
As others have pointed out, performance
will be fine. The RG-8X has a foam core
that some have found will deform when
subjected to a sharp bend, changing the
characteristic impedance of the cable.

If you anticipate sharp bends, a solid
dieletric might be preferred. For long
straight runs, the RG-8x is fine.

Yes Chuck. There is an attraction amongst hams for foil / foam coax,
probably driven by the loss figures, but without regard to the many
disadvantages that such a construction brings, or the very poor
implementations of same (not to mention any brands, lest I should be
buried).

Owen

On Sun, 17 Jun 2007 17:15:01 -0500, "w9gb"
wrote:

"NotMe" wrote in message
...
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.
IF you are in a marine environment or where the coax would be subject to
abuse --- consider the # 117 -- RG-8X from The Wireman.
Press recommended this cable to me about 20 years ago -- it is all I use for
portable and home usage -- one tough cable -- easy to solder PL-259 to as
well due to the polypropylene dielectric!
http://thewireman.com/coax.html

w9gb

CQ MINI 8
Marine-Mobile First with a tough 'walk-on' polypropylene dielectric
and tinned copper shield and tinned stranded center conductor, and now with
a tough, long lived, scuff resistant, jacket. #117


I use his #118 -- a low-loss 8X for non-marine environments. Good
stuff.

bob
k5qwg

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

For a wide range of crimp plugs, check out the RF Industries line at
http://www.rfcoaxconnectors.com and carried by RF Parts,
http://www.rfparts.com I'm not associated with either company, just a
stisfied customer.

73, de Nate

--

"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds,
the pessimist fears this is true."

Nate Bargmann wrote:
For a wide range of crimp plugs, check out the RF Industries line at
http://www.rfcoaxconnectors.com and carried by RF Parts,
http://www.rfparts.com I'm not associated with either company, just a
stisfied customer.

73, de Nate

Their PN RFU-504 appears identical to the Amphenol 83-58-FCP (a couple of
bucks each in their RFX line). The issue with other types of non-soldered
UHF connectors is that they /usually/ require an expensive crimping tool.

73,
Bryan WA7PRC

hi

I like Amphenol PL-259 83-1SP-1050 from Mouser.com
(no min. orders, ships from TX same day no bs 'handling' charges either
!)

2.63 for 10 or more
2.28 for 25 or more
2.04 for 100 - 499

http://www.mouser.com/search/Product...23-83-1SP-1050

I get 100 at a time and sell/trade them at the monthly club meeting.

carl