scantenna Cable

[Chevyman22360]

I ordered a scantenna and I understand that it requires a "F" connector. I wan't to use LMR 400 with the antenna, do I need to make a jumper cable to go from a F to a so-239 or Pl-259, what type of cale should I use for this or is there a different way of doing it. I s there going to be much loss??
Thanks

 

[ssb_dxer]

Go to radio shack and get a SO-239 female to F male adapter. The F goes on the scantenna balun, and your PL-259 on your LMR cable goes to the female SO-239.
Though all you really need is RG-6 cable for the scantenna, unless you will have a really long cable run.

 

[LarrySC]

I would use the cable supplied with antenna. I would never use a PL-259/SO-239 hookup for any reason. PL-259's are a 1960 thing. Before 800 mHz and better connectors, even "F". Now there are SMA's, "N" and others. KISS. Keep it simple.......

 

[ssb_dxer]

I would use the cable supplied with antenna. I would never use a PL-259/SO-239 hookup for any reason. PL-259's are a 1960 thing. Before 800 mHz and better connectors, even "F". Now there are SMA's, "N" and others. KISS. Keep it simple.......

Well PL-259's are used in amateur radio cabling and on tranceivers. RG-58, RG-8, LMR, etc. They have a little higher loss than "N" fittings, but nothing that you really tell. But it isn't just a 1960 thing, it is still being used on amateur radios in 2006 and will continue. Motorola mobiles use mini-uhf, scanners use BNC, etc.
But like I said before, unless you have a really long run, all you need is RG-6 for the scantenna. But there is nothing wrong with using a fitting adapter if you need it.

 

[Declared_Hostile]

How long of a run of cable? If it is short just try the cable that comes with the scantenna and see how that works out first.

If you are really set on using LMR 400 you can get N connectors on the cable and just use N to F adapters on the scantenna. I do that with mine. I'm not sure that they make F connectors for LMR400.

 

[RISC777]

Times Microwave does (F connectors for LMR-400). They're described as LMR400-75, so I wonder if they're 75-ohm or 50-. Doesn't make sense they'd be 75-ohm, but I don't know. They're probably specific for their LMR400-75 cable. Only male, saw no female connectors.

 

[kb2vxa]

Hi all,

When it comes to the cable that comes with an antenna the first thing to do is cut it off. It's guaranteed crap, cheap for the sake of profit. Use whichever cable you think is best for your application and PLEASE, when it comes to connectors and adapters, MYTH BUSTED! Then there is the KISS approach, RG-6U quad shield with F connectors is what the cable and satellite companies use so just take it from there. Just remember it takes a somewhat larger F connector than standard so buy the correct one and choose the crimp die accordingly.

Oh Risc, how many times do I have to explain there is no such thing as a "50 ohm" or "75 ohm" connector? Unlike coax they have NO characteristic impedance, if they fit on the cable it's all that matters.

Hostile, F connectors come in three kinds, for RG-59U, RG-6U and RG-6U quad shield only. They're used for TV and TV type installations, you've never seen any other sort of coax used for that.