Cable/Reception

[Pcamp1227]

I have a Workman CABLE 25FT RG8X COAX that I use for a D130J antenna. I use it on an apartment balcony and the cable is curled and not straight when it's connected to the scanner.

Will reception be affected if the cable is curled up and not straight? The cable is 25 feet so I have to wrap it for it to fit properly.

 

[lmrtek]

Technically yes but as long as you keep the coils as large as possible it won't be noticable

 

[Ubbe]

Try to have thight curls close to the antenna. Then it will work as a choke and stop the coax from being a part of the antenna.

/Ubbe

 

[jcop225]

Looking at the spec. sheet for Belden RG-8X it lists a minimum bend radius of 2.5in. Workman cable may not be as physically robust but it gives you a ballpark. Greater than ~3in. bends should not effect performance. Not knowing how you have it run on the balcony, I would also be wary of the cable being stepped on or otherwise crushed.