Installing Multicoupler - Want Ideal Flexible Coax To Scanners

[KI4VBR]

I will be purchasing and installing a multicoupler and was curious to know if there is a preferred coax to run from the coupler to the scanners. I will be feeding the coupler with Times LMR-400 from the discone, but I feel that is not going to be flexible enough to feed the handheld scanners. Some of the scanners will be fixed install so I can use a thicker cable if needed.

I realize it is a short run (4' or less), but I want to put every advantage in my court when it comes to signal loss. Also, I will be needing BNC ends on the cables and would prefer not to use an adapter with the exception of some SMA connections. Ultimately, I would like to have a commercial company make the cable assemblies for me.

Is there a high grade/quality cable a little thinner than standard RG8 thickness? Something along the lines of a Mini 8/U but higher conductivity ratings.

I will be installing a Diamond Discone up around 15'. The height is limited due to homeowners deed restrictions, so I need to make sure I get every ounce of signal to the radio and prefer to not use a preamp. I primarily monitor VHF Air, Mil Air and 800/900 mhz.

I realize there is a million threads on coax and also on multicouplers, but I didnt see much of the two combined, so I decided to post.

 

[zz0468]

For the lengths you're talking about (4') RG-58 would be just fine. Use good quality coax and connectors, not the crap Radio Shack sells, and you'll be just fine. At 1000 MHz, 4' of RG-58 has 0.6 db loss. RG-8 has 0.3 db loss. LM400 has 0.2 DB loss. At lower frequencies, the difference is even less significant.

So, at that length, the difference between RG-58 and LMR400 is less than a half db. If the primary requirement is for a flexible cable, the tradeoff is more than reasonable.

 

[Citywide173]

I use LMR-400 from the antenna to the multi-coupler, and LMR-195 from the multi-coupler to the radios. it's a bit of overkill, but it works great for me.

 

[cg]

I use decent commercial BNC/BNC jumpers. Most are Pomona 2249 (use the C or Y version).
While you could make cables yourself, I went with premade products that use no adapters and have no problems.

chris