Coax Preferences

[mfuller1950]

I put a thread on the antenna forum. I hope that this isn't a silly question, but there are several threads that talk about the use of what I would call cable coax RG59 or RG6 75 ohm cable. Why is this a popular coax for use in scanners, I haven't been in scanners too long but have always used 50 ohm RG8X for my scanners, although it doubles at time for 2m/450 radios.

Tnx in advance

Fuller

 

[N_Jay]

I put a thread on the antenna forum. I hope that this isn't a silly question, but there are several threads that talk about the use of what I would call cable coax RG59 or RG6 75 ohm cable. Why is this a popular coax for use in scanners, I haven't been in scanners too long but have always used 50 ohm RG8X for my scanners, although it doubles at time for 2m/450 radios.

Tnx in advance

Fuller

Look at the loss tables and the costs.

 

[Thayne]

I like Belden 8214 because A 1000 foot roll of it fell off a truck on I-40 about 10 years ago and I have only used about 1/2 of it---

 

[wrr20891]

So THAT'S what happened to my coax......

 

[SkipSanders]

One reason for use of 'TV' type 75 ohm coax is in systems that include a TV type inline 'bullet' preamp at the antenna. Using cable with F connectors means everything connects easily, up to the ends, where you adapt to the antenna, and the scanner.

For pure receive use, the 'mismatch' between 50 ohms and 75 ohms is minimal, and if you thought any scanner antenna was really a proper 50 ohm match, you were dreaming, anyway. Much less a rubber duck on a handheld up against your body on your belt, etc.

 

[ka3jjz]

Look at the loss tables and the costs.

Here's a good loss figure table from one of the NASA ham sites. Really hits home when you start nudging up to 700 and 800 mhz....73s Mike