Coax Cable for Ham Radio Applications

Coaxial Cable Index

RG-59 or RG-6 should not be used for ham (75ohm TV)

RG-58 (CB cable) has a high loss factor in VHF and UHF frequencies, so it really only is useful in runs less than 50 feet for frequencies above 100 MHz, and 20 feet for frequencies above 400 MHz.

RG-8U is great for 50-75 foot runs in the VHF/UHF range.

UR67 or RG213 for 70cm.

LMR-400, Belden 9913 for 100 feet + in 70cm amateur radio, or GMRS.

RG8, RG8X, RG58U

RG58U

• more flexible
• lower cost
• good for short runs with mobile installations

RG8

• less loss on long runs 50ft - 100ft
• thicker and less flexible

RG8X (mini foam)

• smaller than RG8 with less loss than RG58U
• still not as good as RG8

NASA Coax Cable Loss Chart