Multicoupler Jumpers

[NYAirOne]

What's the best low loss cables to use for jumpers from my multicoupler to radio rack? With the layout of my radios I'm looking at about 6ft for 2 radios, probably 4ft for 2 radios and at least 2ft for 2 radios. Cable from outside antenna is LMR400 buryflex direct to Stridesberg 8 port coupler.

 

[mmckenna]

For a setup like that and such a short run, you don't need to go to something extreme.
The most important part is to have something light and flexible that won't put a lot of strain on the antenna connectors on the back of the radio.

Well constructed cables with the correct connectors is your goal. Avoid adapters.

If you are going to make them yourself, RG-58 would be just fine. For a short run like that, the additional loss isn't going to be noticeable. Especially if you are using an amplified coupler.

If you wanted to go a step up from RG-58, Times-Microwave LMR-195 or LMR-200 would be good. There are companies that will make custom cables for you. Order what you need in the correct lengths, as well as a spare or two.

For a short run like that, the amount of signal loss is so minimal, you won't be able to hear it. It's more important to look at flexibility and cable routing.

 

[900mhz]

I only use RG 400...flexible and double shielded.

 

[jcop225]

LMR240. It's cheap, easy to work with, low loss, high shielding and flexible enough for that application.

Next.

 

[NYAirOne]

Anyplace reasonable that you guys have used online to buy cables from? Anyplaces to stay away from??

 

[mmckenna]

Anyplace reasonable that you guys have used online to buy cables from? Anyplaces to stay away from??

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Get some decent RG-58, LMR-195, LMR-200, LMR-240, RG-400, etc.
Get the crimpers with the right dies
Get a handful of connectors
Roll your own.

Or...

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=342_344

 

[iMONITOR]

RG316 BNC male to BNC male plug connector Lot Crimp RF Coaxial Coax Jumper Cable | eBay

BNC TO BNC. BNC TO IEC. BNC TO MCX. BNC TO MINI UHF. BNC TO RCA. BNC TO SMB. BNC TO TNC. BNC TO UHF.

www.ebay.com

 

[prcguy]

If you get it surplus its great but new its a complete waste of $$ at over $/ft. LMR195/200 is the same size and lower loss plus it has excellent shielding and its cheap.

I only use RG 400...flexible and double shielded.

 

[prcguy]

RG316 is great for short jumpers like 1 or 2ft but the OP needs 6ft and that would be about 2.2dB loss at 800MHz.

RG316 BNC male to BNC male plug connector Lot Crimp RF Coaxial Coax Jumper Cable | eBay

BNC TO BNC. BNC TO IEC. BNC TO MCX. BNC TO MINI UHF. BNC TO RCA. BNC TO SMB. BNC TO TNC. BNC TO UHF.

www.ebay.com

View attachment 113833

 

[Ubbe]

RG316 is great for short jumpers like 1 or 2ft but the OP needs 6ft and that would be about 2.2dB loss at 800MHz.

I use RG174 for SMA connections in shack and to receivers. Same size/type as RG316 but almost half the attenuation.

/Ubbe

 

[prcguy]

Several charts online show RG316 and RG174 to have similar loss with some mfrs having slightly lower loss on the RG316. There is very little difference when using less than 10ft up to 1GHz.

I use RG174 for SMA connections in shack and to receivers. Same size/type as RG316 but almost half the attenuation.

/Ubbe

 

[Ubbe]

Several charts online show RG316 and RG174 to have similar loss

You're probably right. The ones I have looked at favours the RG174 but it might depend of the quality of the coax, who the manufacturer are. I began using RG316 as that has double braid but then I switched to buying RG174 single braid as the charts I used seemed to show it to have less loss.

/Ubbe

 

[vagrant]

If one is not in the mood to build their own patch cables check the link. This adds up pretty quick versus DIY, even with compression tool and some heat shrink tubing cost.

P.S. Some of the coaxial cable types mentioned in this thread are solid core. Look for UF (ultra flex) versions for short patch cables.

LMR195 Silver BNC MALE to BNC MALE Coax RF Cable USA Lot | eBay

LMR195 Silver Plated BNC MALE to BNC MALE Coaxial RF Pigtail Cable. Cable Type: LMR195. Connector 1: BNC MALE Silver Plated. Connector 2: BNC MALE Silver Plated. Cable Length: 1 foot to 50 feet depending on selection.

www.ebay.com