RG8X v.s. RG58U Cable?

[dsmall]

Would someone please tell me the difference in quality (reception, gain/loss, etc...) between these two cables (referenced in thread title). I'm looking at mobile mounts and comparing quality/ price. Thank you

 

[studgeman]

The answer depends on what you are trying to do. RG8 has less loss per 100' than RG58. of course RG8 is a larger diameter cable as well. Under 30 feet there isnt a significant perfomance difference. If you are looking at mobile mounts, i am assuming you are plannign to run the cable in your vehicle. In that case RG58 is a much better choice becasue of its size and flexiability. For a more permenant building mount, you are better off with RG8 if the run is any significant length.

 

[Tweekerbob]

Studgeman,

He was referencing RG-8X (mini foam). This is a smaller version of RG-8, but still has a little bit less loss than rg-58.

dsmall,

If you are doing a mobile install, your better bet would be the mini foam, but at these lengths (maybe 10-15') it will certainly not make a very noticeable difference. Check out this link http://hamradio.arc.nasa.gov/coaxcableloss.html and scroll down to the 25ft loss tables to compare the two cables. Even then, divide that by 2 to get a more realistic mobile installation loss guide.

 

[JohnWayne]

For a typical mobile installation I usually recommend plain old RG58. It is easier flex, run through moldings, and puts less stress on the radio connectors. The loss difference is going to be <1db up to about 1GHz. Even at 2.4GHz, the loss difference is only about 1.5dB, which isn't much.

Go with the RG58 and be happy.

Jeff