What Coax to use?

[HOUND DOG]

I am getting ready to set up my new maco 4 element dual polarity antenna. I would like to know what type of coax I should use for dual 150 ft runs as well as which 8 conductor rotor wire?
Would RG213 coax be good enough or do I need to be looking at something better?

[Stroker]

9914 buryflex is what I run . Also have 1/2 hardline too.. 9914 is stated to last 20 years plus... davis rf has it ..9914f bury flex...

[samskip]

I would say use International 9086, it's similar to Belden 9913 but has better braid coverage.....

If you need more flex on top, you could run new International 9096, it's flexible as RG-8X coax so you can work with it a little better.

[Stroker]

I had moisture in my 9913 before that's why i changed over to Davis RF 9914f ... Very flexible.. Nice jacket too..

[80 meter man]

LMR-400 Ether solid core or the ultra flex. This is the best coax in the business. If you want to go over kill go with the LMR-600 Here is a place that sells the 600 very cheep--

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I use LMR on all my radios with great results.

[drdx]

Don't use a dual run. Buy an Ameritron or your brand choice of remote coax switch. Their 4 position one uses the coax for a control cable and it will pay for itself in coax savings. You'll have a single run to the antenna switch box, then short jumpers to each polarity, with a couple of coax spots left for future expansion. -drdx

[HOUND DOG]

Don't use a dual run. Buy an Ameritron or your brand choice of remote coax switch. Their 4 position one uses the coax for a control cable and it will pay for itself in coax savings. You'll have a single run to the antenna switch box, then short jumpers to each polarity, with a couple of coax spots left for future expansion. -drdx

Interesting idea> So I looked into the remote coax switch set-up but didn't see a big cost savings over the cost of two separate 150ft runs. I would feel a whole lot better as well, knowing I have two coax cables rather then depending on a switch up on the tower. Though it seems to be the way to go if more then two coax cables are needed.

[Mississippifrog]

HOUND DOG i have a similar setup.I have two 190'+ runs of coax two my antenna as well.I used Altelicon 400-Series Cable (CA -400).It's basically a copy of LMR 400 just cost a little less.It's very good double shielded coax with a solid core conductor.I bought a 500 foot roll for about $200.If you need a link to a place that sells it let me know.

For your 8 wire rotor cable you need at least 2 x 18g and 6 x 22g wire which is good for 125' or less.But i would suggest 2 x 16g and 6 x 18g wire in you cable.This is good for 225 or less.

Are you planing on burying any part of the coax?If so i would suggest you use PVC pipe for any under ground work.Better safe than sorry

[drdx]

With just 2 runs, the switch, depending on the level of cable, savings wise, would be a toss up, but the switch would give you a couple of more antenna "ports" at the top of the tower for scanner, omnis, slopers, etc antennas. I think the 4 position ameritron is something like $110. I don't know what the coax will cost you but depending on level, it could go either way. I guess you could say you may have additional savings down the road when replacement time comes, but I wasn't thinking that far ahead. Dependability wise, the switches are very solid in performance, as they are very simple, just make sure you weather proof everything, that goes for any install. -drdx

[HOUND DOG]

I ordered (2) 150ft lengths of 9914F Bury-Flex with soldered pl259's & a 150ft spool of 2-16 & 6-18 heavy duty rotor wire from the same company. Its a little pricey but the "Poly" jackets of this coax and rotor wire is supposed to be much better then the normal PVC jacketed cables. This weekend, I hope to assemble the antenna and maybe get the rotor mounted inside the tower. I just can't wait until the tower is vertical again.

[DJboutit]

RG 215 is good enough any better is too pricey

[Stroker]

I ordered (2) 150ft lengths of 9914F Bury-Flex with soldered pl259's & a 150ft spool of 2-16 & 6-18 heavy duty rotor wire from the same company. Its a little pricey but the "Poly" jackets of this coax and rotor wire is supposed to be much better then the normal PVC jacketed cables. This weekend, I hope to assemble the antenna and maybe get the rotor mounted inside the tower. I just can't wait until the tower is vertical again.

Trust me you will love the 9914f Bury .. I had been through so many coax's.. I cant find one thing wrong with the Davis rf 9914f . The jacket is awesome. Shielding is excellent. I am ordering more.

[DJboutit]

LMR 400 is good to and it is decently priced. Universal Radio has decent priced coax

[frogman]

wow..i used rg 213 on my shooting star....did i screw up??