RG6 or LMR

[KOK5CY]

I’m trying to decide which coax to go with for my 800 MHz listening.currently I’m using RG8x at a 20’ run and no breaks and straight to my antenna . I’ve been thinking of switching to LMR400 since I listen to both 800 and vhf low band

 

[wtp]

it would give better performance at higher frequencies.
but just to sound lazy, do you need to swap itif the 8 works now ?
"my laziness has saved me a lot of work !"
if the 8X has been outside for more than 5 years, it could be time to swap.

 

[K4EET]

Hi @KOK5CY! Like @wtp said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. LOL!

Realistically, and I did not do the math, a 20 foot run at 800 MHz should not be a significant dB loss difference. Look at the specs at 800 MHz and see what the difference really is. I sort of doubt if it is worth swapping out the RG-8X coax.

 

[KOK5CY]

Technically I’m using RG8x on my gmrs base and it’s great stuff I can hit 2 different repeaters and I use the same coax on my SSB base . So I guess I’ll leave it up there .

 

[K4EET]

Using Google to do the math shows that it is not worth swapping out the coax for 0.54 dB difference.

What you're solving for:
You are determining the difference in signal loss in decibels (dB) between a 20 foot length of RG8X and LMR400 coaxial cable at 800 MHz.

Attenuation for RG8X at 800 MHz is approximately 4.5 dB per 100 feet.
Attenuation for LMR400 at 800 MHz is approximately 1.8 dB per 100 feet.

Solution:
The dB loss difference at 800 MHz on a 20 foot length of RG8X vs LMR400 is 0.54 dB.