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southernredneck1
05-14-2014, 09:43 AM
I had someone give me a beam antenna that I will pick up when I get back to dry land. I don't have a base radio yet. I was thinking about running the wire from the antenna to my mobile in the truck by disconnecting from my FireStik and using using a SWR meter/ antenna tuner as a connector to the base coax. Currently running RG-58A/U coax in the truck. I was wondering what coax is recommended for a base, and I want to get one that I won't have to replace when I get a base radio. Thanks in advance!

222DBFL
05-14-2014, 04:27 PM
Times microwave lmr 400 should do the trick. Good quality coax. And it is made to handle the elements

JesseJamesDallas
05-14-2014, 05:13 PM
This is what you need...Same spec's as LMR 400, just cheaper.
http://www.air802.com/CA400-coax-by-the-foot-equivalent-to-lmr400.html

NY714
05-15-2014, 05:29 AM
Times Microwave Only as far as the company. Depending on need, LMR-400 is great for house, or LMR-240 for the car. But do same research can beat any type of coax that Times Microwave Makes in durability and RF insulation.

BOOTY MONSTER
05-15-2014, 12:18 PM
how long will your coax run be and how much power will you be pushing ?

southernredneck1
05-15-2014, 05:06 PM
Gonna run 100' of coax. Radio swings 60 watts and amp throws 500 watts.

222DBFL
05-15-2014, 05:52 PM
Lmr400, times microwave JMO

BOOTY MONSTER
05-15-2014, 09:55 PM
Gonna run 100' of coax. Radio swings 60 watts and amp throws 500 watts.

for that length and power you'd be fine with quality 8X , nothing wrong with spending more if you want the warm fuzzy feeling and bragging rights . since you're looking at a beam i'll suggest NOT getting coax with solid center conductor since it will break over time , use something with a stranded center to allow the antenna to turn on a rotor without damaging the coax . it's also much easier to work with when installing it .

NY714
05-15-2014, 10:30 PM
Gonna run 100' of coax. Radio swings 60 watts and amp throws 500 watts.

Yes, in my opinion power does make different, but if going to run 500 watts or more worth it for the "Real Times Microwave Coax" LMR-400. It will help with loss of power thru the run but most import will help with RF issues in your own house as well as neighbors. Don't want to be coming thru neighbors computer, phone, TV or anytype of wireless items. I know alot of people who went for the knock-off coax of the Real Times Microwave and they were sorry in end with splashing on their own house and neighbors.

PS - Just go to their website and do some research and you will know what I am talking about, even know spec's are same on knock-off's, not same materials used in the making.

stang
05-16-2014, 11:45 AM
Good coax and antenna and a five dollar radio can sound good. Cheap coax and antenna and a $1000 radio will sound like shit. LMR-400 Times microwave is worth the money.

JesseJamesDallas
05-16-2014, 06:40 PM
Good coax and antenna and a five dollar radio can sound good. Cheap coax and antenna and a $1000 radio will sound like shit. LMR-400 Times microwave is worth the money.
LMR 400 is over rated...I've used both LMR 400 and the CA 400, and if anything the CA 400 comes out on top, for several reasons (other than price)

The CA 400 is lighter in weight, and the outer jacket made of polyethylene sorta like PVC, only more flexible. which makes it perfect for burial if you need to go that route. It's UV resistant, and is built to withstand harsh temperatures, grease and oil, chemicals, salt water, abrasions and offers a 20 year plus lifespan...

What sold me on this coax was I talked to a couple of HAM guys in Florida that's been using it for years, and said that thayer's had been threw several Hurricanes, and since they live on the coast, where salt is a big problem, the salty air so far hasn't bothered the coax...

Don't get me wrong, LMR is very good quality coax, I was just pointing out that there are other alternatives to LMR 400 that's just as good, and in some ways better, and in some cases less expensive.

BOOTY MONSTER
05-16-2014, 09:27 PM
jjd , what do you think of Davis Buty-Flex coax ?

http://www.davisrf.com/buryflex.php

and the wire mans #113 coax ?
"Truly Direct Bury RG213 type coax, with water block and 20 year, impermeable, UV resistant, tough, scuff-proof jacket"

http://www.thewireman.com/coax.html



(http://www.thewireman.com/coax.html)

222DBFL
05-16-2014, 09:37 PM
IMO, if burial of coax is needed, I would use some flex conduit at least to put it in. Keeps tree roots and such other things from poking a hole in the coax. I know that as a cell site installer (radio base station installer), it is recommended that all coax be put into flex conduit on outdoor installs these days. Even the ldf4-50a is being put into flex conduits now. Keeps the cable from getting burred up as well. Just some food for thought. I know it says direct burial, but I would put it in some flex conduit anyway, again JMO. I could probably list more reasons why, but think about it, and it makes sense.

BOOTY MONSTER
05-16-2014, 09:59 PM
222 , what do you think of ecoflex 10 plus ?

http://ssb.de/pdfs/6080_EcoFlex10_k_en.pdf
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/cable/2499.html

222DBFL
05-16-2014, 10:09 PM
I like the 15 better but the 10 looks like good stuff, never used it personally, always stuck with times microwave, 123 wireless, Andrew and occasionally some belden lmr400uf. I personally like the times microwave lmr400uf. But it's a matter of opinion. The coax you posted looks to be made well. I do like the braided center wire. But my heart is with times microwave, only because I have access to it and am not paying for it. I would look for something else if I was paying for it I suppose, but I know times microwave makes good coax and has been for a while.

JesseJamesDallas
05-16-2014, 10:57 PM
jjd , what do you think of Davis Buty-Flex coax ?

http://www.davisrf.com/buryflex.php

and the wire mans #113 coax ?
"Truly Direct Bury RG213 type coax, with water block and 20 year, impermeable, UV resistant, tough, scuff-proof jacket"

http://www.thewireman.com/coax.html



(http://www.thewireman.com/coax.html)
never used either one of those, but the davis stuff sounds just like the CA 400...I did notice both of those cables have the polyethylene outer jacket tho...

I doubt if you was to bury these cables tree roots would bother it either...It's not like a water pipe, most likely roots would just shoot around the cable...However, if I was going to bury any cable, I would opt to run it threw PVC pipe anyway, not because of roots, but so if later I had to replace it, it's allot easier to just pull it out of a pipe, and feed a new cable back threw, rather than dig the back yard up again.

222DBFL
05-17-2014, 12:15 AM
You are correct JJD, I was just pointing out that burying the coax in PVC is always a good idea. There are a lot of reasons why, but you nailed perfect with just one, agreed, it will make life easier in the end, by running the coax In a PVC pipe. God bless.