If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient way to connect your ham radio, then coaxial cable is a must-have. Coaxial cables have been designed to provide superior connectivity and withstand regular wear and tear, making them an essential for any ham radio enthusiast. However, with so many options available, choosing the right coaxial cable can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most important factors you need to consider before purchasing a coaxial cable for ham radio.
First and foremost, the length of the coaxial cable is an important factor to consider. Depending on your needs and setup, you may require a longer or shorter cable. It's essential to measure the distance between your radio and the antenna, so you can determine the appropriate cable length. The type of connector on the cable is another essential factor that you need to consider. Make sure that the connector matches your radio and antenna without causing any interruptions in the signal quality.
Do you want to maintain your ham radio's smooth operation? Are you tired of struggling with low-quality connectors? Do you need a coaxial cable that can withstand harsh weather conditions? If the answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ve explained some essential factors that you need to consider when choosing the right coaxial cable for ham radio. With this guide, you should be able to make a well-informed decision and find the perfect coaxial cable that will keep your ham radio running flawlessly.
10 Best Coax For Ham Radio
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The product is ideal for connecting radio antennas and related equipment for communication purposes.
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Ideal for connecting HAM radios, VHF radios, SWR meters, and antennas with low loss and high-quality transmission.
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3
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This product is ideal for protecting CB and ham two-way radio base antennas from lightning surges.
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4
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This product is ideal for connecting HAM radios, VHF radios, SWR meters, and antenna analyzers with low loss UHF cables.
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5
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It's ideal for protecting CB, ham, and two-way radio base antennas from lightning strikes.
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6
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This product is ideal for connecting CB, amateur and ham radios, two-way radios, SWR meter, and other communication devices.
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7
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The product is ideal for protecting electronic devices from lightning surges in CB radios, HAM radios, and 2-way base stations.
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8
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Ideal for extending the reach of antennas and signal boosters for cellular, GPS, WiFi, and radio communication.
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9
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The product is ideal for connecting UHF CB antennas and HAM radios with low loss 50 Ohm cables.
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10
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Ideal for transmitting radio frequency signals between devices with UHF and BNC connectors.
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1. Rf Cable Kit: Uhf Male To Male Jumper
The XRDS-RF KMR400 PL-259 cable is a professionally made coax cable that has been manufactured by a company with over 20 years of experience in producing CB radio cables. The cable has been swept with USA Keysight E5071C ENA network analyzers to ensure that it has a VSWR of less than 1.35. This cable is perfect for use with CB/ham radio.
This ultra-low loss cable has a high-density tinned copper braid and is 100% shielded. At 500 MHz, the 3ft UHF KMR400 cable attenuates the signal by only 0.26 dB. This cable is ideal for marine radio installations as it has 60% less loss than cheap RG58 cables at Wi-Fi frequencies.
The PL259 UHF male cable is built to last with its copper clad aluminum conductor and flexible UV proof RF-PVC jacket. It is designed to withstand 20 years of outdoor exposure in harsh environments. The new nickel-plated RF industries waterproof UHF connectors ensure a secure connection.
To prevent the cable from coming off, a heavy PL-259 mount clamp connector has been used instead of the easy-to-come-off crimp type connector. The connector is solid and professionally attached.
The PL259 cable comes with a black heat shrink tube that is lined with adhesive. The length of the tube is up to 2.2 inches and is used to seal the cable to the UHF connector after it has been assembled. This ensures good sealed end connections.
- Professionally made by a company with over 20 years of experience in producing CB radio cables
- Ultra-low loss with a VSWR of less than 1.35
- High-density tinned copper braid and 100% shielded
- Flexible UV proof RF-PVC jacket designed for 20 years of outdoor exposure in harsh environments
- New nickel-plated RF industries waterproof UHF connectors ensure a secure connection
- Heavy PL-259 mount clamp connector to prevent the cable from coming off
- Comes with a black heat shrink tube lined with adhesive to ensure good sealed end connections
2. Ultimate Cb Coax Cable: Mookeerf Kmr400pl
The 25ft KMR400 pl259 coaxial cable is a low loss uhf coax cable with PL259 plugs on both ends. With a signal frequency of 450MHZ, the loss is less than 0.85dB and the SWR is ≤ 1.25. This makes it ideal for long-distance high-frequency use without any worries of signal loss. The cable is well built with a copper clad aluminum inner conductor, and an outer conductor made of aluminum foil and tinned copper braid that provides maximum protection to the signal over large distances. It is equivalent to lmr400 and rg8u.
The connection between the UHF male connector and KMR400 coaxial cable end is equipped with a 2.2" heat shrink tube with lined adhesive, which is longer than other cables' 1.1" heat shrink tube. The connector is designed with a clamp to prevent easy breakage during use. The jacket of this cb cable is made of PVC, making it waterproof. The connector shell, made of copper nickel plating, has good corrosion resistance. The shrink tubing of this jumper has an adhesive inner wall that seals against moisture, making it very sturdy and perfect for outdoor use.
This pl259 male to male coax cable has various applications, including CB ham radio, HF amateur radio, marine boat VHF radio, antenna, swr meter, surge protector, and Walkie Talkies.
- Low loss at 450MHZ signal frequency
- SWR ≤ 1.25
- Equipped with a 2.2" heat shrink tube with lined adhesive to prevent fall apart or break
- Jacket made of PVC, making it waterproof
- Connector shell made of copper nickel plating with good corrosion resistance
- Shrink tubing has an adhesive inner wall that seals against moisture, making it very sturdy and perfect for outdoor use
- Ideal for long-distance high-frequency use
3. Lightning Protector For Cb Radio Antennas
The Low Loss Low Vswr – 50 Ohm Coaxial Lightning Arrester UHF Type Female to Female is a reliable and high-quality solution for protecting your equipment from dangerous lightning strikes and electrical surges. With a low RF insertion loss of less than 0.4dB and a VSWR of less than 1.2, this lightning arrester ensures reliable frequency-band performance from DC~500MHz. It is a great UHF lightning protection solution for Ham radio, CB Radio, 2-Way Base Stations, and other lower-frequency antennas.
This lightning arrester boasts a high-quality construction with a body made of brass nickel plated, an inner conductor made of brass, an insulator made of Teflon (PTFE), and a coating of nickel electroplating. It is durable and long-lasting, ensuring the safety of your equipment for years to come.
Installing this PL259 lightning arrestor with UHF-female connectors in two sides is easy and can be done with coax cable. However, it requires an additional ground cable for proper protection.
Overall, the Low Loss Low Vswr – 50 Ohm Coaxial Lightning Arrester UHF Type Female to Female is a reliable, high-quality, and easy-to-install solution for protecting your equipment from dangerous lightning strikes or electrical surges. Its low RF insertion loss and VSWR ensure reliable frequency-band performance, making it an excellent choice for Ham radio, CB Radio, 2-Way Base Stations, and other lower-frequency antennas.
- Low RF insertion loss of less than 0.4dB
- VSWR of less than 1.2 for reliable frequency-band performance from DC~500MHz
- High-quality construction with durable materials
- Easy to install with coax cable
- – Requires an additional ground cable for proper protection
4. Premium Uhf Cable For Ham And Vhf Radios
The KMR400 PL259 Coaxial Cable is a great choice for long-distance high-frequency use. With a loss of less than 2.8dB at 450MHZ signal frequency and an SWR of ≤ 1.25, users can be assured of minimal signal loss. The cable is well-structured with an inner conductor made of copper-clad aluminum and an outer conductor made of aluminum foil and tinned copper braid, providing maximum protection over large distances and better resistance to oxidation. The jacket of the cable is made of high-quality PVC, making it waterproof and durable, while the shell of the UHF connector is made of high-quality copper nickel plated, providing better resistance to oxidation and corrosion. The cable is suitable for use in outdoor environments. The connection between the UHF male connector and the KMR400 coaxial cable end is equipped with a 2.2" heat shrink tube and built with adhesive, which is longer than ordinary cables. This ensures a professional connection between cable and adapters and prevents the connector from pulling out. The KMR400 PL259 Male to Male Coaxial Cable can be used for CB ham radio, HF amateur radio, marine boat VHF radio, antenna, SWR meter, surge protector, Walkie Talkies, and many other applications.
- Low loss of less than 2.8dB at 450MHZ signal frequency and SWR ≤ 1.25 ensures minimal signal loss for long-distance high-frequency use.
- Well-built structure with an inner conductor made of copper-clad aluminum and an outer conductor made of aluminum foil and tinned copper braid provides maximum protection over large distances and better resistance to oxidation.
- The jacket of the cable is made of high-quality PVC, making it waterproof and durable.
- The shell of the UHF connector is made of high-quality copper nickel plated, providing better resistance to oxidation and corrosion.
- Equipped with a 2.2" heat shrink tube and built with adhesive, ensuring a professional connection between cable and adapters and preventing the connector from pulling out.
- Suitable for use in outdoor environments.
- Can be used for a variety of applications, including CB ham radio, HF amateur radio, marine boat VHF radio, antenna, SWR meter, surge protector, Walkie Talkies, and more.
5. Thunderbolt Uhf Coaxial Connector For Radios.
The Low Loss Low Vswr – 50 Ohm Coaxial Lightning Arrester UHF Type Female to Female is a reliable solution for protecting your equipment from dangerous lightning strikes or electrical surges. With a low RF insertion loss of less than 0.4dB and a VSWR of less than 1.2, this lightning arrestor/surge protector provides high-quality frequency-band performance from DC to 500MHz. The UHF lightning surge protector is constructed with high-quality materials, including a brass nickel-plated body, brass inner conductor, Teflon insulator (PTFE), and nickel electroplating coating. This ensures that the lightning arrestor is durable and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. It also comes with a bulkhead that allows you to mount it through a wide copper strip, or use it in outdoor enclosures or boxes effectively serving as a feedthrough for your coax. However, it requires additional ground cable to provide the utmost protection. This UHF lightning protection solution is great for Ham radio, CB Radio, 2-Way Base Stations, and other lower frequency antennas.
- Low RF insertion loss of less than 0.4dB and a VSWR of less than 1.2.
- High-quality frequency-band performance from DC to 500MHz.
- Constructed with high-quality materials such as brass nickel-plated body, brass inner conductor, Teflon insulator (PTFE), and nickel electroplating coating.
- Comes with a bulkhead that allows you to mount it through a wide copper strip.
- Great for Ham radio, CB Radio, 2-Way Base Stations, and other lower frequency antennas.
- – Requires additional ground cable.
6. Yotenko Ham Radio Cable Kit: 4 Adapters, 49.2ft.
The 4PCS Upgraded Connectors included in this package are designed to have a better appearance and function than other connectors. They are made to last longer and have undergone a 48-hour Salt Spray Environmental Test to prove their corrosion resistance. The connectors included in the package are UHF FEMALE SO239 to SMA MALE/SMA FEMALE/SO239/BNC MALE.
Compared to other ham radio coax cables, this cable has an improved heat shrink tube that has been lengthened to 6cm. The connections are solid and crimped professionally, which makes the UHF male connectors of the cable firmer and effectively prevents connectors from falling off the cable due to bending/pulling. This cable is a low loss cable, made of solid copper, tinned copper braid, PE, Aluminum foil, and PVC. The braided shield effectively protects the signal and has little effect when inserting your devices.
This pl259 coax cable is widely used in CB Radio Antenna, Ham Radio, SWR Meter, VHF Radio, Amateur Radio, HF Radio, Antenna, Surge Protector, Walkie Talkies, Marine Antenna, Antenna Analyzer, Tuner, Dummy Load, Radio Scanner, and more. With these four connectors, you can also connect with devices that have SMA male/SMA female/BNC female/UHF male connectors, such as microwave products, Broadcast, CCTV and Digital Communication System, Car Mobile Radio, Car Transmitter, VNA Vector Network Analyzer, Spectrum Analyzer, and more.
The package includes 1 x 49.2ft/15m RG58 CB Radio Cable Extension with a cable connector of UHF Male to UHF Male and 4 x Adapter, which include UHF Female to SMA Female, UHF Female to SMA Male, UHF Female to UHF Female, and UHF Female to BNC Male.
- The upgraded connectors have a better appearance and function than other connectors.
- The connectors are corrosion-resistant and last longer.
- The cable has an improved heat shrink tube that has been lengthened to 6cm.
- The connections are solid and crimped professionally.
- The cable is a low loss cable, made of solid copper, tinned copper braid, PE, Aluminum foil, and PVC.
- The package includes 4 different types of connectors, allowing for more versatile use.
7. Stormguard: Uhf Lightning Protector For Radios
The Coaxial UHF Lightning Arrester,PL259(UHF Female) Socket TO SO239 Socket( UHF Female) is a reliable, high-quality lightning surge protector designed for Coaxial cable. It offers wide-band performance from DC-1GHz, with an insertion loss of only 0.1dB and VSWR of 1.2. The arrestor comes with a replaceable 90V Gas Tube Element that offers high surge power capability.
To ensure maximum protection, the arrestor features a ground screw connection that makes it easy to install. Simply run a piece of heavy gauge copper wire (8 or 10 gauge) from the grounding screw on the side of the arrestor to a 3-foot minimum length grounding rod driven into the ground. The arrestor is ideal for protecting HF/VHF/UHF other frequency equipment with extremely low loss. It is suitable for use with CB Radio, HAM Radio Gear, 2-Way Base Stations, and other similar equipment.
It is recommended that SO239 arresters be installed as close as possible to the equipment to be protected, often at the point where the coax cable enters the building. They can also be installed near the antenna for additional protection.
- Reliable and high-quality construction
- Wide-band performance from DC-1GHz
- Low insertion loss of only 0.1dB
- Replaceable 90V Gas Tube Element for high surge power capability
- Suitable for use with a wide range of equipment including CB Radio, HAM Radio Gear, 2-Way Base Stations
- Easy to install with a ground screw connection
8. Stronglink 50ft Extension Cable For Signal Boosters
Experience high-quality signal transfer over large distances with minimal loss using this 50 feet Ultra Low-Loss Coax Cable. It comes in black color and features N-Male to N-Male Connectors, making it perfect for use with all devices and appliances with 50-Ohm impedance.
The cable is made of high-quality materials, with a copper clad aluminum inner conductor that causes very low signal loss, and a heavy-duty, waterproof PVC jacket that is flexible enough to withstand harsh outdoor environments.
Unlike other coaxial cables, this one comes with a clamp connector, which ensures that the connector stays securely attached to the cable. Additionally, all connections are solid and professionally attached using a black heat shrink tube and lined adhesive by heat shrinking. The length of the cable is 2.2 inches, which is longer than others, making it less likely for the code to come off.
XRDS-RF is a professional manufacturer of coax cables, and this 400 fifty feet n to n jumper is no exception. It is swept with USA KEYSIGHT E5071C ENA network analyzers to ensure that the vswr of the cable is less than 1.1. This cable comes with a full year of warranty, guaranteeing unmatched product quality.
Use this cable to enable secure connections between an amplifier and both indoor or outdoor antennae, taps, splitters, and any 50 Ohm RF system.
- Ultra Low-Loss Coax Cable with N-Male to N-Male Connectors for high-quality signal transfer over large distances with minimal loss
- High-quality materials, with a copper clad aluminum inner conductor causing very low signal loss, and a heavy-duty, waterproof PVC jacket that is flexible enough to withstand harsh outdoor environments
- Clamp connector ensures that the connector stays securely attached to the cable, with all connections being solid and professionally attached
- Comes with a full year of warranty, guaranteeing unmatched product quality
9. Steren's 100ft Low-Loss Cb Coaxial Cable
The RG8x UHF Radio Cable is a premium 50 ohm coax cable that offers the best performance for high-powered applications. This cable is an upgrade from the RG58 coax cable and is perfect for users who want the best coax. The cable is multi-use, with a UHF PL259 connector that is great as jumpers to an antenna tuner, switch, meter, SWR, or your main antenna.
This high-quality cable is perfect for a range of applications, including Jeep Wrangler CB installs, SWR meters, CB Amateur radios, and 2-Way radio applications. It features fully molded UHF male to UHF male connectors that are nickel-plated, ensuring a secure and reliable connection. The cable is designed to last and is suitable for both CB and Ham radio setups.
- Premium RG8x 50 ohm coax cable for high-powered applications
- Multi-use UHF PL259 connector
- Suitable for a range of applications including Jeep Wrangler CB installs, SWR meters, and 2-Way radio applications
- Fully molded UHF male to UHF male connectors that are nickel-plated for a secure and reliable connection
- Designed to last and suitable for both CB and Ham radio setups
10. Cablesonline Rg8x Coax Antenna Cable – 100ft
The UHF PL-259 male plug to BNC male plug is a high-quality RG-8X premium coax antenna cable that is fully molded. It is 100ft in length and great as jumpers to an antenna tuner, switch, meter or your main antenna. This coaxial cable is 50Ω low-loss RG8x-mini and features nickel-plated connectors.
The UHF PL-259 male plug to BNC male plug is a reliable and durable coaxial cable that ensures a strong connection between devices. It is perfect for use with antenna tuners, switches, meters or main antennas. The nickel-plated connectors provide excellent conductivity and prevent corrosion, while the 50Ω low-loss RG8x-mini cable ensures minimal signal loss.
This high-quality coaxial cable is an excellent investment for anyone looking for a dependable and efficient connection between devices. It is easy to use and install, and its fully molded design ensures maximum durability and longevity. The 100ft length makes it ideal for long-distance connections, and its low-loss RG8x-mini cable ensures excellent signal quality.
- 50Ω low-loss RG8x-mini cable ensures minimal signal loss
- Nickel-plated connectors provide excellent conductivity and prevent corrosion
- Fully molded design ensures maximum durability and longevity
- Ideal for long-distance connections
Best Coax For Ham Radio FAQs
How do I determine the appropriate impedance of coaxial cable for my ham radio setup?
When it comes to setting up a ham radio, choosing the right coaxial cable is crucial. One of the most important factors to consider is the impedance of the cable. Impedance refers to the measure of resistance to the flow of electrical current in the cable. In the case of coaxial cables, impedance is measured in Ohms. The two most common impedance ratings for coaxial cables are 50 Ohms and 75 Ohms.
For ham radio setups, the standard impedance rating is 50 Ohms. This is because most ham radio equipment is designed to work with 50 Ohm coaxial cables. However, if you're using an antenna that requires a 75 Ohm cable, you'll need to use a cable with that rating.
To determine the appropriate impedance of coaxial cable for your ham radio setup, you'll need to consider the type of radio equipment you're using and the requirements of your antenna. You can consult the user manual for your equipment or speak to a knowledgeable ham radio operator for guidance. It's important to choose the right impedance to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage to your equipment.
How do I properly terminate coaxial cable for ham radio antennas?
Properly terminating coaxial cable is crucial for ham radio antennas to function at their best capacity. The first step is to strip the coaxial cable's outer jacket to expose the braided shielding and the core conductor. The exposed core conductor should then be trimmed to the appropriate length. The next step is to slide on the connector over the cable, ensuring that the braided shielding extends beyond the connector's outer rim. The connector should then be crimped onto the cable using a proper crimping tool. It is important to ensure that the crimping is tight and secure. The final step is to seal the connection with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to protect it from moisture and corrosion. It is also recommended to use a multimeter to test the continuity of the connection to ensure proper termination. By following these steps, your coaxial cable will be properly terminated, and your ham radio antenna will function optimally.
What is the difference between low-loss and standard coaxial cable for ham radio applications?
Low-loss coaxial cable is designed to transmit radio frequency signals with minimal loss, which means that it has a lower attenuation rate than standard coaxial cable. This makes it more suitable for long-distance transmissions, where signal quality can degrade over distance due to the attenuation of the signal.
Standard coaxial cable, on the other hand, is less expensive and can be used for shorter distances or in applications where signal quality is not critical. It has a higher attenuation rate than low-loss coaxial cable, which means that the signal may degrade faster over distance, resulting in weaker reception.
For ham radio applications, low-loss coaxial cable is preferred for long-distance transmissions, such as for DX (long-distance) contacts or satellite communications. Standard coaxial cable may be used for shorter distances or in situations where signal quality is not as important, such as for local contacts.
In summary, the main difference between low-loss and standard coaxial cable for ham radio applications is the attenuation rate, with low-loss coaxial cable being better suited for long-distance transmissions and standard coaxial cable being more suitable for shorter distances or less critical applications.
What is the maximum length of coaxial cable recommended for ham radio use?
The maximum length of coaxial cable recommended for ham radio use depends on various factors such as frequency, power output, and loss. Generally, the maximum recommended length for RG-58 coaxial cable is around 100 feet for frequencies up to 50 MHz and 50 feet for frequencies above 50 MHz. For higher power outputs, thicker coaxial cables such as RG-213 or LMR-400 can be used with a maximum length of around 500 feet. However, it is important to note that longer lengths of coaxial cable can result in higher loss of signal and decreased performance. It is recommended to use the shortest possible length of coaxial cable needed for the specific application and to properly terminate the ends of the cable to minimize signal loss. Additionally, it is always best to consult with a licensed ham radio operator or expert for specific recommendations based on individual setups and needs.
What types of coaxial cable are best for ham radio?
When it comes to choosing the best coaxial cable for ham radio, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the cable should have low loss and high efficiency to ensure that the signal is transmitted with minimal attenuation. Secondly, the cable should be durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions, as ham radio operators often work in outdoor environments.
There are several types of coaxial cable that are suitable for ham radio, including RG-8, RG-213, and LMR-400. These cables have low loss characteristics and are available in various sizes and lengths to suit different applications. RG-8 and RG-213 are popular options for short cable runs, while LMR-400 is more suitable for longer cable runs.
Another important consideration is the impedance of the cable. Ham radio operators typically use 50-ohm coaxial cable, as this is the standard impedance for most ham radio equipment. However, some equipment may require a different impedance, so it's important to check the manufacturer's specifications before choosing a cable.
In summary, the best coaxial cable for ham radio is one that has low loss, high efficiency, and is durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions. Popular options include RG-8, RG-213, and LMR-400, all of which are available in different sizes and lengths to suit different applications.