My thoughts on coax length

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by Timin770, Jul 29, 2021.

  1. Timin770

    Timin770 Road Train Member

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    Some say length matters, some say it doesn't.

    Why not use the formula and if the "length matters" crowd is right, you're good. If the "length doesn't matter" crowd is right, you're still good to go
     
    Crusader66 Thanks this.
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  3. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Outside of a possible change of phase issue, the length doesn’t matter because your losses are not noticeable.
     
  4. Night Stalker10

    Night Stalker10 Road Train Member

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    Since the velocity factor plays a roll in how fast your signal travels through the coax, I doubt anyone is going to notice a delay in your signal, if you cut the coax 4 ft longer than what the math calls for.
     
  5. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    From what i discovered vf means squat ...Personally ill still wanna keep it high,no reason
     
  6. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    I have watched 1 of the 3 but decide for yourself
     
  7. Night Stalker10

    Night Stalker10 Road Train Member

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    I've watched all of those videos before. The first video is the best. The gentleman does a great job of explaining the theory as well as the visual of a matching device and coax. I've always heard that the VF in coax that's 20 feet or less, like in a mobile installation, isn't a big factor to worry about as far as HF goes.
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2021
  8. jessejamesdallas

    jessejamesdallas Road Train Member

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    all coax has a resistance factor...more coax, more resistance....IMO "less resistance" would be best, meaning not to use anymore coax than you have to, to get from A to B...

    Now if your setting up some sort of beam-type array, "THEN" coax length matters because you maybe wanting the signal to hit one antenna a spit-second before it hits the other to get the results your looking for...But just one antenna?...short as possible...if co-phase, both coax runs need to be same length to where they connect back together.

    end of story....jumper lengths? IMO, same thing applies...I've not once ever blown a amp or had issues with different jumper lengths...

    however..."Opinions are like A-holes...everyone has one":D
     
  9. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    I agree, shorter the better, even setting repeaters on the hiltops, the jumper typically does not matter as far a length. On the mobile short as practicle, maening leave enough for future repairs and snip the rest of, and dont make a coil where its all running the same direction, unless you just want to have a balun under your carpet.
     
  10. mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    This was a timely thread! Gonna try to get antenna installed in the truck tomorrow. Not to happy with the Hustler SSM2 ball mount I bought. It is stainless steel, but it is pretty light weight and THE DARN THINK FILLED WITH WATER WHEN IT RAINED! I ain't happy!
     
  11. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Well...Use a lil silicone or coax tape and make it water tight..
     
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