RF CABLE INFO

[paul51]

Can anyone provide me link to a good article on RF cable. There seems to be pages and pages of RF cable to choose from, but I really cannot figure out the difference,

e.g. What is the difference between RG174 and LMR240?

Thanks

 

[dpc]

You might start here:

http://www.thewireman.com/coax.html

Key factors to consider:

Characteristic Impedance - this should match the impedance seen at each end of the cable, or else you will have increased reflections and loss.

Loss - Loss is a function of cable length and signal frequency. The higher the frequency, the greater the loss. Loss is typically expressed in dB per unit length. At higher frequencies, you can easily lose most of your signal in the coax. Low-loss coax is always more expensive, and generally larger in diameter.

Application - If you want to run outdoors or underground, you need a cable rated for that service.

Hope that gets you started. You might post followup questions just under antennas group.

 

[BrianR]

Electrically RG214 is very similar to LMR240, but it is thicker at 0.425" while LMR240 is 0.24" RG214 is probably a deal heavier and it has a higher power rating.