wildbill0013
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i want to set up a base repeater in my house and want to start using the best cable possible, i need suggestions on what is the best cable to use.
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cable for base use.?
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rapidcharger
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The best cable and the cable that you will more than likely end up with due to the more reasonable cost are two different things. Since this is a backyard repeater we're talking about, if the run of cable is about 50 feet, I would look for Times Microwave (specifically that brand) LMR-400 or LMR-400 ultraflex. That is what I run on my base antennas at home (50' runs) . A 50' coax assembly with the uhf connectors already soldered on costs about $75-$100 currently. Again, that is not the "best" cable you can use but it's reasonably low loss.
n5ims
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The "best cable possible" is probably over $100 a foot, 6 1/8" in diameter, made from heavy copper, and bends must be made using adapters of the necessary angles. Oh, the connectors aren't cheap either. It's called "Rigid Line". It will handle lots of power and is very low loss. http://www.elti.com/uploaded/datoteke/Catalogue/4-Coaxial_components/ELTI_catalogue_rigid_lines.pdf
Oh, you actually don't want the "best cable possible", you really want "good cable that will work well and is cost effective". That should be much less expensive and easier to install. Most likely you will be able to use some Andrew LDF4-50A for a quality and affordable feedline. Note, I said "affordable" not "cheap". New it should be 2 - 3 bucks a foot with the connectors in the 25-50 buck range. Used (preferable those new, end-of-reel kind of used) it may get down to a buck or so per foot. http://www.commscope.com/catalog/andrew/product_details.aspx?id=1329
Be aware that some cable types, standard LMR-400 is one often quoted example, are not designed for nor do they work correctly for full duplex operations like a repeater. They will generate what is called "Passive Intermodulation Distortion" and give you noise and other problems with your repeater. This is due to the way the shield is made on those kinds of coax (generally a foil shield with wires woven around it). Using a more solid type of shield like in the Andrew heliax I mentioned will not have this issue.
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