best for the buck (coax)

[295 antenna]

With todays tec is LMR 400 really that good or is there better for the same price per foot

[MDYoungblood]

Okay to start out "LMR" is a trademark for Times Microwave coax products, most other coax is designated as "RG" .The "400" is what they use as a size reference and is short for .405 in diameter which is the same size as an RG8, RG213, RG214, etc. coax.
I like LMR coax for it's quality. The solid core is really stiff and has a composite core of copper cladded aluminum, the super flex is stranded copper. I use 400 for my long runs up to 100/120ft and the 240 as short jumpers in the radio room.
The best bang for the buck is to get a quality RG coax for the length you need, look at the rating and the percentage of shielding, velocity isn't that important if using it under 30mhz.

3's

Greg

[295 antenna]

ok thanks i have been hearing that LMR400 is 86% shielded ? Is this right ? or is that just a certain kind?

[MDYoungblood]

The foam polyurethane is wrapped in foil 100% but the actual braid is only 85 or 90%. Certain brands of RG213 is 97% copper braid.

3's

Greg

[295 antenna]

Ok then im thinking of making or buying some really good jumpers to get rid of some of the RF i got going on in my shack. i have to place my radio equipment just right or stuff squeals. I installed some grounding and it helped quite a bit but it got me thinking of better coax. I have far-rite beads on everything

[MDYoungblood]

I found some ABR Industries coax, RG8X size, that I have been making jumpers out of, surprisingly easier to install connectors compared to Times Microwave. The TM foil seems to adhere to the foam insulation, the ABR peels back easily. both have the same specs and both are made in the USA.

3's

Greg

[jon6667]

one thing you can ever do. is use cheap coax. believe me i know. been there dont that.i got 100 feet of lmr400
yes it costs more but well worth it.

[battyice]

I used RG-213 for my rig. Very nice stuff - and not as stiff as LMR-400.

[De_Wildfire]

I use this company. I buy the roll and split it with someone else. The price is not too bad. [Please login or register to view this link]

[Lost Ram]

I know its an old post but Jefa Tech LMR 400.

[Wl329]

[Please login or register to view this link] this is the only lmr equivalent I have found that is a great price and good quality I have been using it for about 5 years no issues! They make all the standard size coax and it is rumored to be made in the same factory as lmr, I have taken both apart side by side and they are identical.

[MDYoungblood]

I know its an old post but Jefa Tech LMR 400.

The warehouse selling Jefa is about an hour and 15 minute drive from me, I also have a local supplier that sells ABR Industries and is Made in USA. I've always liked Times Microwave and Andrews coax but have found the ABR coax is easier to install connectors on.

3's

Greg

[SuperDave4x4]

Who makes DX Engineering’s coax? I have some of their RG8x that I plan on using in my mobile.

Also how much more flexible is the 400 ultraflex vs the standard 400?

[Lost Ram]

There is a big!!!!!!! Difference in the 400 hard and flex. Flex is good for the jumpers, in the mobile, at the rotor for a beam. The other is good for straight runs where you dont have to move it often or for permanent jumpers you dont move often.

[Wildrat]

400 series here on my runs from the tower to the station, and I forget what I used for jumpers, but never skimp on coax. Always properly ground your station the best you can, ground your tower or pole the best you can. Polyphazer used to have some good articles on grounding.