If it works and you are making contacts, good deal!! As far as the Radio Shack coax, it is not the best there is and is quite lossy for a 100ft run. This may be why you are seeing a good VSWR reading as well. If you can afford it at some point, get some good LMR240 or LMR400. A 100ft run from a good company like times microwave or Davis cable, Andrew, Commscope, Belden, and so on. Don't buy the knock off stuff its crap. And also either have them install or purchase good connectors as well. Amphenol makes good connectors that will fit both of the coax's listed above. Just need reducers for the lmr240. Get 100ft., and don't cut it. Coil up what you don't use and when/if you ever get a base antenna you will have good coax already. JMHO and some food for thought. Have a good one and happy dxing!!