Coax question

[CarolinaPatriot]

I am setting up a new base station with a SPT-500 and a Y-Quad beam. If I run RG-8U to both antennas, what size jumper cable should I use between my radio and Dosy antenna switch with meters? Thanks!

[whiteastro]

Myself I would use at least a RG8U or equivalent from the meter to the radio. Stay away from RG58U if you like best performance, that is how mine is setup and is my humble opinion!

[CarolinaPatriot]

Thanks...I am not sure if I used a smaller jumper cable if it would cause a performance issue.

[whiteastro]

I might be nit picky or doing over kill but I always try to use the best I can. The smaller RG58U is for sure easier to work with in tight spaces and they use them with SWR meters so they must be acceptable.

[JesseJamesDallas]

Radio to amp to meter to antenna switch, i just use mini-8 stuff, then from switch to antenna RG 213...never had a problem running 1000w peak or less...and I have two radios and amps set up running to a MaCo Shooting Star.

Your not going to have any noticeable performance issue because your using fairly short runs with jumper cables...Think the jumpers I'm using are all 6'...I just bought some pre-made ones off ebay, and they have worked just fine...using jumpers made from RG 213 coax would have been just too much of a headache working with since the stuff doesn't bend that easy.

RCI 2980wx and a XForce Base 1x4, and a Cobra 2000GTL with a Palomar 300A...
https://i.imgur.com/w4WjctB.jpg

[CarolinaPatriot]

Awesome...thank you! Beautiful shack!

[whiteastro]

All my jumpers are RG 213 but I don't have anything 6'. All of mine are about a foot long.

[JesseJamesDallas]

All my jumpers are RG 213 but I don't have anything 6'. All of mine are about a foot long.
When I had my Suburban, I had jumpers anywhere from a few inches to several feet...Don't think any two were exactly the same length...Just long enough to get from one thing to the next...

[whiteastro]

Yes I could see with your radio bench where you might need some longer Jumpers. I built my radio bench top special for my needs and what I had on hand and bought RG 213U jumpers so I could expand when I decided to buy Foot Warmers. Skips been rolling lately and been too busy to get my antenna changed around and get my warmers on my mobile units. Seems like I'm always behind the 8 ball! LOL

[whiteastro]

Dug out my original Workman M400 Starduster antenna that I fixed after it split from water getting in it and freezing. I think I'm going to put it up to replace my Super Penetrator and raise it to the max my coax will allow because the starduster is not bothered by rain. Then I will see if it helps with skip!

[JesseJamesDallas]

Dug out my original Workman M400 Starduster antenna that I fixed after it split from water getting in it and freezing. I think I'm going to put it up to replace my Super Penetrator and raise it to the max my coax will allow because the starduster is not bothered by rain. Then I will see if it helps with skip!
good luck...I been getting quiet a bit of skip out of Florida, but for some reason I'm having a problem getting heard...And thats pushing close to 1K, on my shooting star...just one-way type skip...Have made a few contacts tho, just not as many as I should be.

[whiteastro]

good luck...I been getting quiet a bit of skip out of Florida, but for some reason I'm having a problem getting heard...And thats pushing close to 1K, on my shooting star...just one-way type skip...Have made a few contacts tho, just not as many as I should be.
Funny thing you mention that because I'm having the same problem with my New Galaxy base station. I'm hearing really well but don't seem to being heard. I haven't put my finger on it yet but I know I didn't have my new radio and the old Palomar tuned together. I see a trip to Bob's CB shop coming up in a couple weeks with all my radios and amps. Time to put the Hammer Down. LOL

[JesseJamesDallas]

Funny thing you mention that because I'm having the same problem with my New Galaxy base station. I'm hearing really well but don't seem to being heard. I haven't put my finger on it yet but I know I didn't have my new radio and the old Palomar tuned together. I see a trip to Bob's CB shop coming up in a couple weeks with all my radios and amps. Time to put the Hammer Down. LOL
Just a Mother Nature deal...

[Turboomni]

I am just starting to get some skip these last few weeks on my mobile and my base. I moved my base horizontal dipole outdoors and out of my garage attic. From western MA /NY State area I have made contact with Kentucky,Northern Mississippi ,N/S Carolina,Georgia, Alabama, New Brunswick Canada, Detroit etc. I heard 151 Mower Junkie in SC but he didn't hear me. But most of the time it is deader than a doornail though.

[whiteastro]

I am just starting to get some skip these last few weeks on my mobile and my base. I moved my base horizontal dipole outdoors and out of my garage attic. From western MA /NY State area I have made contact with Kentucky,Northern Mississippi ,N/S Carolina,Georgia, Alabama, New Brunswick Canada, Detroit etc. I heard 151 Mower Junkie in SC but he didn't hear me. But most of the time it is deader than a doornail though.
As a fellow hobbyist it is good to see when someone who has been working on it starts to have success. While the challenge can be fun it can also lead to frustration some times with all the different options. With all the different praise of dipoles I've been thinking of getting one myself. But I also want to try a beam system like JJD has yet! I guess I'm a Sick Puppy! LOL

[Turboomni]

From my limited knowledge a horizontal dipole is rather directional. At one time I thought of having 2 dipoles going each direction that I could switch. On ebay I saw quite a few dipoles for sale. One I want to mention was there was a full wave cb dipole which was 30 or so feet long. Never knew about these and wonder how they work.

[JesseJamesDallas]

Very best antenna I've had up was the Lightning L4 quad...full wave horizontal and vertical...Talked to places all around the world when I had that thing up...England, Germany, Africa, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and all up and down the west side of South America...

Problem with that antenna tho was, it couldn't handle the wind storms we get here from time to time...within the first 6 months of having it up, I had to bring it down maybe 6 times to fix a broken wire...finally just decided it wasn't worth the headache...

May try it again one of these days, only string it with a different type wire...may instead of a solid core wire like the factory used, to a stran type wire like what is on the reflector element of my MaCo shooting star...it's never broke since it's been up, and it's seen some hellacious wind storms!

Since replacing the L4 with the MaCo, I still make allot of DX contacts all across the country and up into Canada...But not one single contact across the pond.

My L4...
https://i.imgur.com/zXweKpx.jpg

MaCo shooting star

https://i.imgur.com/Vy7ak9R.jpg

[Turboomni]

I see what you mean. The top photo looks to be fragile looking. Hell ad some paper to it and you have a box kite!!
How tall is your tower?? Does it get hit by lightening often??

[JesseJamesDallas]

I see what you mean. The top photo looks to be fragile looking. Hell at some paper to it and you have a box kite!!
How tall is your tower?? Does it get hit by lightening often??
40' tower, then the mast sticks up another 6 or 7'....Never been hit by lightning...least not yet...It's a aluminum tower made by Universal Towers...It's also has a hinged tilt base so I can lay it on it's side to work on the antenna...

It's a self supporting tower, meaning it don't need guy wires as long as you stay in specks with the wind load at the top...since I have more antenna on top than what the tower recommends, I had to add guy wires to be on the safe side.

To tilt the tower you remove the two bolts on the back leg, then just the top bolt on both of the front legs, and just loosen the bottom bolts...then crank it down. (I have a hand winch on a pole next to the tower that I use to lower and raise it)

https://i.imgur.com/P2rEEYQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bt2rCss.jpg

[Turboomni]

Wow ,,very impressive Mr Dallas!

[whiteastro]

I would say you put your heart and soul in your radio interest. ( nice ) What kind of winds do you get where you are at? I checked out that L4 Quad on the internet and they say it is rated at 100 MPH. Did they improve it or do they Over-rate it? Is that antenna made for 11 meter or can it be tuned for Ham also,and when you talked all over with it was it on 11 meter or Ham? Anyway Nice!

[JesseJamesDallas]

Antenna wind speed I think is a little over rated...The problem is the solid core wire they use...it flexis in the wind and where it's attached to the spreaders over a period of time the constant bending finally breaks...Mine was strictly a 11 Meter antenna...however they make quads for whatever band you want...most of the contacts overseas I made was on channel 38 lsb...some also on channel 28 AM to Australia...interesting side note, lots of my overseas contact, the person on the other end lots of times also had a quad...a few tho when on ssb actually said they were mobile.

[whiteastro]

Yes everything will fail over time. I can't even remember how long I had my first Star Duster up before it failed because they didn't drill a weep hole in it to drain it like Siro did on my second one. After it froze and split the mud insects built a nest in it. I drilled a weep hole in it now. It was the first antenna I bought to get back into cb and gave me almost flat line SWR across the board. Of coarse it would never compare to a beam but it is a great starter antenna at a price anyone can afford.

[Turboomni]

As a fellow hobbyist it is good to see when someone who has been working on it starts to have success. While the challenge can be fun it can also lead to frustration some times with all the different options. With all the different praise of dipoles I've been thinking of getting one myself. But I also want to try a beam system like JJD has yet! I guess I'm a Sick Puppy! LOL


Well if you want to try a dipole they are cheap as beans and cheaper if you make one yourself. I saw on ebay american made dipoles ,1/2 and full wave ready to go for 30 bucks. Seems they have sold many and have been in business for awhile. I may buy a full wave just to try out since I have only one local mobile contact in my area and he is mainly just DX too. I'll try to post a link.

[Turboomni]

Full Wave
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Wave-Base-Station-Dipole-Antenna-CB-Radio-Band-11-meter/113695912498?hash=item1a78cdf232:g:Vf0AAOSwTklcwft8

Half Wave

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Half-Wave-Base-Station-Dipole-Antenna-CB-Radio-Band-11-Meters/123724165828?hash=item1cce88f2c4:g:GoMAAOSwz55cwfuU

Another Half Wave

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HALF-WAVE-DIPOLE-ANTENNA-FOR-THE-CB-BAND-11-METERS-BASE-STATION/124164502126?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131231084308%26meid%3D52f114f84a1e4d1c8c2d58e2c039cfe7%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D123724165828%26itm%3D124164502126%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109

[Turboomni]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/YhcAAOSw4gZefhVN/s-l1600.jpg

[whiteastro]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/YhcAAOSw4gZefhVN/s-l1600.jpg


Hey thanks for the thought but I had my daughter ordered one for me 2-3 days ago from ebay and it should be here any day now. Mine wasn't as cheap but they claim it has stainless hardware so time will tell all tales. Check it out!
https://www.ebay.com/i/264647568711?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=264647568711&targetid=884131384999&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9007157&poi=&campaignid=9421872431&mkgroupid=95112701945&rlsatarget=pla-884131384999&abcId=1140476&merchantid=6296724&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImdjwvIa86QIVDa_ICh0xwQ1cEAQYASABEgJv6_D_BwE

[Turboomni]

Great to hear your getting one! I look forward to hearing your thoughts. The one your getting looks real good! Keep us posted.

[Turboomni]

In the description of your dipole I found very informative and interesting ,,here is a quote.


QUOTE"


How to deploy this antenna for maximum gain:




To achieve highest gain and Best operation 1/2 wave dipole should be mounted 1/2 wavelength or 17-20 feet high. This will give the rf the best low angle radiation for long distance DX. It will work fine at lower heights but for highest gain 17-20 feet is best.

The center of the antenna has a stainless eye-bolt at the top for it to hang from a support. Pull each leg of the dipole straight out flat and secure by tying your cord/rope to the dog-bone insulators. If securing the antenna to objects like trees that will move in the wind be sure to use a cord material with some stretch. You can also leave just a bit of slack in the system.

As with ALL antennas, you should install them in an area as open as possible. Obstacles close to the antenna will have an affect on both the tune of the antenna and radiation pattern. You cannot mount this or any antenna up against walls and such. QUOTE"

This is what I saw also on a video that was posted here maybe on another thread by a Ham operator concerning Dipoles.

[whiteastro]

Yes I read That description over good and it sounds good on paper, now I just hope the guy knew what he was talking about. LOL I think about that old joke about ( you know how to tell when a salesman is lying? His lips are moving ) Maybe some of the old pros in here will chime in. The dipole is a back-up plan, my first plan is to move my old starduster to where my penetrator is and raise it to the max my coax will go. Approx. 15-20 more. I don't like the penetrator being bothered by rain. I'm working in a tough spot to get out with my best open spot down thru a south east opening in the valley. I don't even think a beam would work well here. My neighbor is old skip talker from the 70s-80s and he thinks my antenna should be mounted on the Railroad mountain but I would need 200' or more coax and the Railroad would be after me. FUN FUN FUN

[Turboomni]

I saw the video from a very respected Ham guru on YouTube. He said the same thing and went into detail about the effects of the height off the ground has on the horizontal dipole and the aim of the signal for farthest distance.

[whiteastro]

I saw the video from a very respected Ham guru on YouTube. He said the same thing and went into detail about the effects of the height off the ground has on the horizontal dipole and the aim of the signal for farthest distance.

Send me a link and I'll watch it!

[Turboomni]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRTo01Qttbc

[Turboomni]

I want to give credit where it's due. This video was kindly posted by Booty Monster on this thread.


http://www.cbjunkies.com/threads/2302-Which-is-better-Vertical-or-Dipole

[whiteastro]

Thanks I remembered Booty Monsters thread and checked it out earlier. Thumbs up to BM

[Bullwinkle]

Why not LMR-400?

[whiteastro]

Why not LMR-400?

That is good stuff. I bought 3 jumpers of that stuff 18" long, but it is a little stiff to work with!

[Buzzweiser]

I run LMR-400 to my antenna straight out my radio. When I check SWR I use a 3' RG-213 jumper. If I hook up my big amp I have a 12' RG-213 jumper. I keep the amp in the garage. Its a bit of a hassle but I have a wall tube to pull my coax out to garage and then hooks to keep it stretched out. Takes about 5 mins. I leave the 12 foot jumper in place. I also have a wall plate with a shorted SO connector leading directly outside to my ground system. When the storms come I hook that up in case of strikes.
73's

[Cedar Mountain Radio]

Full Wave
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Wave-Base-Station-Dipole-Antenna-CB-Radio-Band-11-meter/113695912498?hash=item1a78cdf232:g:Vf0AAOSwTklcwft8

Half Wave

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Half-Wave-Base-Station-Dipole-Antenna-CB-Radio-Band-11-Meters/123724165828?hash=item1cce88f2c4:g:GoMAAOSwz55cwfuU

Another Half Wave

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HALF-WAVE-DIPOLE-ANTENNA-FOR-THE-CB-BAND-11-METERS-BASE-STATION/124164502126?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131231084308%26meid%3D52f114f84a1e4d1c8c2d58e2c039cfe7%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D123724165828%26itm%3D124164502126%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109

I got a laugh out of the full wave where he says you need to use balanced line due to very high impedance but if you want to use coax then you should get the 1/2 wave, then he puts a coax connector on it? :300 (154): :300 (117):