RG58/U

[dvendt]

Any one have an educated opinion on RG58/U for scanner antennas?

 

[kayn1n32008]

For UHF/700/800MHz I would avoid it, unless it’s a mobile antenna.

For a base antenna, over 10’ no. Hell no. LMR400.

 

[jcop225]

8.4 dB of loss per 100' at 400 MHz.

+1 for short jumpers only. And anywhere you're thinking about using RG-58 use LMR-195 instead. Same size, same cost, same connectors, roughly half the loss depending on frequency.

 

[spongella]

I'd use something else like RG6, it has much lower loss on VHF/UHF than RG58/U. Also no need for soldering end connectors if you have the tools to do that.

 

[trentbob]

Unless you're doing 11M Citizens Band I would avoid RG58 in any applications.

The whole reason that you're putting up an antenna is to get better reception so don't shoot yourself in the foot.

Everybody uses lmr400 because it's low loss coax and not too expensive.

For a leader or jumper, as lmr400 is very stiff and a burden on connectors, I use RG 8 M, the mobile version of RG8 which is a thin flexible coax. There are others that are low loss and thin and flexible also.

 

[jonwienke]

LMR400, except for short strain relief jumpers.

RG6 is the wrong impedance, so you get a mismatch loss at both ends of the cable. -1.

 

[eorange]

Impedance mismatch is a negligible factor when receiving. Having a low loss cable is far more important.

 

[dvendt]

What about LMR-200?

 

[dvendt]

I saw that 50 ohm connectors won't fit on RG-6 and that 75 ohm connectors can damage 50 ohm connections.

 

[dlwtrunked]

Impedance mismatch is a negligible factor when receiving. Having a low loss cable is far more important.

Very true but many seem to not know. And at 800 MHz good RG-6 (6 db/100ft) is as good as LMR-195 or LMR-200 (7 dB/100ft) .

 

[prcguy]

75 ohm and 50 ohm BNC connectors are completely interchangeable mechanically, you cannot damage them from crossing impedance types. N is a different story, the center pins are smaller on 75 ohm and they will either destroy each other or not make contact depending on which is the male or female.

I saw that 50 ohm connectors won't fit on RG-6 and that 75 ohm connectors can damage 50 ohm connections.

 

[jcop225]

What about LMR-200?

Essentially the same thing as LMR-195 (a low loss version of RG-58) not sure why they make both.

Spec. Sheet

 

[prcguy]

I think LMR195 fits RG-58 compatible connectors and LMR200 fits RG-58 double shield size connectors for RG-223, RG-142, etc.

Essentially the same thing as LMR-195 (a low loss version of RG-58) not sure why they make both.

Spec. Sheet

 

[jcop225]

I think LMR195 fits RG-58 compatible connectors and LMR200 fits RG-58 double shield size connectors for RG-223, RG-142, etc.

Possibly, but I've never had any issue using RG-58 group connectors with 200 cable.

Back to the OPs question, bottom line is RG-58 is really not worth the effort to run long distances for VHF/UHF, look for something with foil shielding for lower loss, especially if you need 800MHz, many such cable types have been suggested.

 

[spongella]

A set of cutters, coax stripper, compression pliers and weatherproof connectors come in handy if you use RG6 . You can make any length of cable needed.

RG6 is readily available at big box stores too. Of course it comes in different qualities but the Home Depot stuff works for me. I also use it for 2 meter casual use, even with the slight mismatch.