RG-8X or RG-58 Cable

[Radioguy789]

Hello. I am looking at getting a new cable for my Mobile scanner and I am just wondering what cable would be better. I don’t know much about cables. I only need about 3 feet of it.

So just wondering what cable would be better for me, RG-8X or the RG-58. So I can decide which one to get to use with my Mobile scanner.

Thanks

 

[AB5ID]

For a 3-foot run, it really doesn't matter much. Personally, I would choose 8X unless I was trying to keep the cost down. Since 8X uses a foam dielectric, I would avoid putting any sharp kinks in it, especially in a mobile installation. Extreme heat combined with a kink could allow the center conductor to shift, although that would likely be a very rare edge case.

 

[ladn]

Hello. I am looking at getting a new cable for my Mobile scanner and I am just wondering what cable would be better. I don’t know much about cables. I only need about 3 feet of it.

You won't notice any difference between the two cables for a run that short and the RG-58 will be easier to work with. As with any cabling project, try to buy quality cable with quality connectors for best performance.

 

[Radioguy789]

Ok thanks. So either or will work. But the RG-58 is a little better to work with, as in it’s a smaller cable compared to the RG-8X. And the RG-8X is a better quality cable than the RG-58.

 

[ladn]

And the RG-8X is a better quality cable than the RG-58.

What is "better quality" in your view? Technically, RG-8 will have lower loss, but, the loss difference between the two in a 3' run would require laboratory equipment to measure. With that logic, you could use LMR 800 or one inch hardline for even less loss, but you'd never be able to discern the difference outside of laboratory conditions.

 

[Radioguy789]

Ok thanks for the info. 2 more questions: is the RG-8X cable is a little thicker than the RG-58, and do both cables have a little flexibility in them, if they need to be flexed a little like say you would do with a cable that is on a 2 way antenna.

 

[mmckenna]

Ok thanks for the info. 2 more questions: is the RG-8X cable is a little thicker than the RG-58,

Yes, RG-8X is slightly larger in diameter than RG-58. However, you are talking about a tiny difference. Most RG-8X is 0.240" diameter. RG-58 is around 0.200" diameter.

and do both cables have a little flexibility in them, if they need to be flexed a little like say you would do with a cable that is on a 2 way antenna.

Yes, however look closely at the specifications for the exact cable you are considering. RG-8X should have a stranded center conductor, which is what you want for jumpers that will see a lot of flexing. Some variants of RG-58 will have a solid center conductor, which is fine for many uses, but you might find that the stranded center conductor variant is a better choice.
Either way, both are small diameter cables with plenty of flex.

Don't get stuck on the loss numbers. You will not notice the difference in performance on a 3 foot cable. As said above, you would need lab grade equipment to see the difference in that short a cable.

Personally, I'd go with a name brand RG-58

 

[Radioguy789]

Ok thanks appreciate it. Just would need one with some flexibility compared to not much. So if the RG-8X has more flexing comp to the RG-58. Maybe will go with the RG-8X. Because if the RG-58 doesn’t flex as much, don’t want it to damage it.

 

[mmckenna]

So if the RG-8X has more flexing comp to the RG-58. Maybe will go with the RG-8X. Because if the RG-58 doesn’t flex as much, don’t want it to damage it.

The stranded center conductor RG-58 (as opposed to the solid center conductor) probably has a tiny bit more flexibility than RG-8X.

Plus, there's a lot more RG-58 out there, easier to find connectors, and like we've said, no noticeable difference between the two.

Either cable with the stranded center conductor will be fine.

 

[Radioguy789]

Ok thanks.

Here is 3 of the cables I was looking at

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09D7MVZFM/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=AODZVW3FCSGNT&th=1

https://www.amazon.ca/XRDS-RF-10FT-Male-Cable-Coaxial/dp/B0C4SLM3FP?th=1

https://www.amazon.ca/Coaxial-Oscilloscope-Spectrum-Analyzer-Generator/dp/B0B3D82STG/ref=sxin_17_sbv_search_btf?content-id=amzn1.sym.205ba71d-bfbe-4ab5-b1d2-ad245ff8f034%3Aamzn1.sym.205ba71d-bfbe-4ab5-b1d2-ad245ff8f034&crid=2PXDEM75GCRZ3&cv_ct_cx=BNC%2B-%2BBNC%2BRG-8X%2BCable&keywords=BNC%2B-%2BBNC%2BRG-8X%2BCable&pd_rd_i=B0B3D82STG&pd_rd_r=d0305773-3714-4d8a-8b7d-0b8f3eef496a&pd_rd_w=NbrBf&pd_rd_wg=9YFEQ&pf_rd_p=205ba71d-bfbe-4ab5-b1d2-ad245ff8f034&pf_rd_r=KWBCV9PYASDNCD7CD2VG&qid=1783395639&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=bnc%2B-%2Bbnc%2Brg-8x%2Bcable%2Caps%2C218&sr=1-1-5190daf0-67e3-427c-bea6-c72c1df98776&th=1

let me know if one of these will work

thanks

 

[mmckenna]

I think for your application, any of those would be just fine.

3 feet isn't a lot of cable from a loss standpoint, especially at frequencies used by a scanner. The difference between RG-8X and RG-58 is not going to be noticeable. You are not using these for calibrating equipment or in a lab type application, so probably not critical which one you choose.

Usually with Amazon type cables like this, I'd be more concerned about the quality of the connector and how well it was installed. No way to know that from the photos, and I'd not trust the opinions of the reviewers.

For the price, pick one and go for it.

 

[mmckenna]

Actually, looking closer, two of those show solid center conductor, and the third doesn't say.

If price is a concern, those are probably fine.

www.theantennafarm.com has some more options, but prices will be higher.

 

[Radioguy789]

oh k so the solid centre is not that good like you said and since the 3rd one doesn’t say then keep looking.

I am not looking for an expensive BNC - BNC cablel so then one of these 3 will be ok.

 

[ladn]

I am not looking for an expensive BNC - BNC cablel so then one of these 3 will be ok.

YES!

 

[Radioguy789]

Ok thanks for your replies. Will give one of these a try.

 

[12dbsinad]

RG-58/U has a solid center conductor
RG-58A/U is stranded center conductor

Solid center conductor will have better specs. At 3 ft, not noticeable.