Coax question

**CarolinaPatriot** · 05-15-2020, 12:06 PM

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** · 05-15-2020, 12:34 PM

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** · 05-15-2020, 12:37 PM

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

**whiteastro** · 05-15-2020, 06:18 PM

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** · 05-15-2020, 07:25 PM

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...

**CarolinaPatriot** · 05-15-2020, 08:00 PM

Awesome...thank you! Beautiful shack!

**whiteastro** · 05-16-2020, 05:57 AM

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

**JesseJamesDallas** · 05-16-2020, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by whiteastro

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** · 05-16-2020, 03:34 PM

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** · 05-17-2020, 04:55 PM

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!