Recommendation for a RG58 low loss cables

[haimgil]

Hello,


I am looking on Amazon for some good quality 3m/5m low loss RG58 cables to connect between a MCA208A multicoupler to some digital scanners.

Can anyone help me please?

Thanks

 

[mmckenna]

Stick with name brands. RG-58 is a general standard, and some manufacturers find creative ways of calling their cables "RG-58", as in they meet the general spec, but also find ways of using the cheapest components possible.

Amazon is a total poop-storm of cheap Chinese crap. If you can expand beyond Amazon, you'll have better options.

The Antenna Farm is a good source: https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=342_343_346
or, if you need specific lengths or odd connector types, you can have them make custom cables for you: https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=342_344

Don't overlook things like Times Microwave LMR-100, LMR-195, LMR-200 cables. Good stuff….

If you just need cable with no connectors, https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=342_345

 

[bharvey2]

Low loss at what frequencies? If you're listening to low band VHF, loss using RG58 won't be terrible whereas loss will be more several at 700-800MHZ. I usually user LMR240 for jumper cables. While available in a "flex" version, the standard version works fine for me. Keep in mind, even at 700MHZ, 10ft/3m should be less than 1.5dB

 

[haimgil]

Thanks buddy, i`ll sure look into it!

 

[haimgil]

Low loss at what frequencies? If you're listening to low band VHF, loss using RG58 won't be terrible whereas loss will be more several at 700-800MHZ. I usually user LMR240 for jumper cables. While available in a "flex" version, the standard version works fine for me. Keep in mind, even at 700MHZ, 10ft/3m should be less than 1.5dB

For all available scanning bands 25-1300Mhz, are there any recommended?

 

[bharvey2]

If you do an internet search of coax loss charts, you'll find a lot of information. I've always used LMR240 for jumpers because it is a good compromise between flexibility and minimal loss for my uses and I always have some around. I did a quick search to confirm and found that even at 2400Mhz, a 10ft length of LMR 240 will have a loss of less than 1.5dB. LMR200 is around 1.6dB for the same length. Naturally, the longer your length, the more loss and of course, you'll lose a fraction for each connection. An identical length of RG58A would have of 3-4 times that of LMR 240 at 2400Mhz. But, that loss isn't linear. As the frequency gets lower, the loss of RG58A becomes less of a problem.

However as mmckenna pointed out, don't buy the cheap Amazon stuff with the funky names. Stick to the brand named coax that he recommended.

 

[900mhz]

I personally utilize RG400 for all jumper interconnects. Never any issues.

 

[n5ims]

I personally utilize RG400 for all jumper interconnects. Never any issues.

Just remember that RG400 is not the same as LMR400. It's more expensive but smaller and more flexible. It is often used for jumpers in repeater duplexers.

RG400 Cable | High Frequency Coax with Solid Dielectric & FEP Jacket (awcwire.com)

 

[bharvey2]

The OP said he was connecting his jumpers to scanners. If they're smallish handhelds, the larger cable could cause problems and he may end up with broken antenna connectors.

 

[n5ims]

The OP said he was connecting his jumpers to scanners. If they're smallish handhelds, the larger cable could cause problems and he may end up with broken antenna connectors.

As I said above, RG400 is NOT LMR400. It's thin and flexible and designed for use as jumpers. The RG400 is probably thinner and more flexible than standard RG-58 so that shouldn't be a problem. If they used LMR-400, I agree 100% that the weight and stiffness would be an issue in that function.

 

[IAmSixNine]

You may also visit a local 2-way shop. Back when i worked at one we would sell to local ham guys or scanner users.
Im working on a project at work that will require me to get some cable and i plan on getting it from one of the places i used to work at.

 

[iMONITOR]

Hello,


I am looking on Amazon for some good quality 3m/5m low loss RG58 cables to connect between a MCA208A multicoupler to some digital scanners.

Can anyone help me please?

Thanks

[source]

Accessories

 

[bharvey2]

As I said above, RG400 is NOT LMR400. It's thin and flexible and designed for use as jumpers. The RG400 is probably thinner and more flexible than standard RG-58 so that shouldn't be a problem. If they used LMR-400, I agree 100% that the weight and stiffness would be an issue in that function.

Right you are. The MIL designation sounds familar but I don't recall ever running across RG400. I think I glossed right over the "RG" part.

 

[mikewazowski]

Short RG58 jumpers shouldn’t be a problem between an active multicoupler and a scanner. Should be enough gain to overcome the loss from the cables.

That said, I prefer Rg-400 for my jumpers. Nice and flexible.