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Article - How to Choose the Best Coax For Your Station
Let's start with a simple definition of coaxial cable - A feedline that transports radio frequency energy from your radio to your antenna and from your antenna back to your radio. A Simple Truth: The coaxial feedline is one of the most critical components of your radio station and, as such, deserves careful consideration.Let's stop here for a real world example using RG58 Coax. LMR400 Coax by Times Microwave - 3 dB loss at 100 ft, that's still 50% of power loss!? LMR600 Coax - 1.7 dB loss at 100 ft, much better but keep an eye on the cost. It can add up very quickly. Another Note: Think about the future. You need to consider the frequencies that you may want to operate in the future when choosing a cable or multiple cable runs. This is a great time to review your understanding of VSWR and antenna tuners. I recommend these articles/videos: Videos: SWR - W6LG - Using an Antenna Analyzer - K7AGE - Tuners - HamRadioConcepts - Audio: Selecting Coaxial Cable - ARRL - SWR Simplified - ARRL - Antenna Analyzers - ARRL - Back to factors and other considerations So, if the solution is to use a cable type that has much less loss for that operating frequency, how do we do that? RESEARCH!! ( A good ham uses all the tools at his/her disposal to research solutions. An unwitting ham asks their question on social media and gets 100 different opinions from 100 people. The good answers are not easily weeded about by a new ham. Join a club, find an Elmer there or through the ARRL. But I digress.) To assist you in your selection of the proper coax, use Google search to look up cable losses and cable loss calculators: Here is a typical cable loss table from W4RP's website: Results are shown in dB per 100 foot and (dB per 100 meters). A very good cable loss calculator can be found here at KV5R's website: This calculator is very comprehensive. The drop down menu for Line Type has all the cable types you will ever need? to consider. The above link is worthy of "Bookmark" status. Your last consideration is one of economics. Only you can determine the best bang-for-the-buck for your particular situation. In Summary: 1. Measure the distance between your radio and your intended antenna feedpoint. 2. Determine the highest frequency you will operate now and in the future. 3. Use Google to find an online coax loss calculator. I like . 4. Use the calculator to determine the cable that gives you the lowest loss for the frequency and length you will operate. PICK A FEW OPTIONS!. Cost of cable will vary a great deal so prepare a few options to review against your budget constraints. This is a hobby, folks. Feeding your family is a higher priority than feeding your antenna. :-)? Be Practical! I hope you or someone you know can benefit from this article. As always, please provide any feedback you wish. Best regards, Joe, N2QOJ |
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New ARRL Podcast -The Eclectic Tech - Episode 17
New ARRL Podcast -The Eclectic Tech - Episode 17 The ARRL has a new podcast and it is hosted by Steve Ford, WB8IMY. This seventeenth episode has the
following topics: Identifying digital signals, and the spooky mystery of Long Delayed Echoes.The Eclectic Tech podcast brings news, interviews, and commentary about technology and science -- all with an amateur radio twist. Stream: As always, feedback is welcome. Regards, Joe, N2QOJ |
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VE Test Session - Last Chance to Register
VE Test Session - Social Distancing Compliant - Saturday, 9/26/2020, 10 AM Chuck, W7CBR, and friends will host a VE test session on Saturday, September 26th at about 10 AM, probably in Mesa. If you, or someone you know, is interested in taking the tech exam or upgrade exam, you must contact Chuck to register. THERE IS NO CHARGE! Chuck will then fill you in on location and exact time. Please contact Chuck at Rogers_Charles@... |
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QCECG weekly training net - 9/20/2020 @ 8 PM (20:00)
QCECG?weekly training net - 9/20/2020 @ 8 PM (20:00)This message is directed to the casual ham radio operators out there. If you haven't checked in to this net recently, please do so. It takes little effort to fire up your handheld, mobile, or base radio and spend a few minutes exercising your radio skills. It's not a lot of time and effort to ensure that you and your radio station are capable when necessary. If you can't spend a lot of time on the net, just check-in as a "Short Time" station. We will check you in and out and you can go about your Sunday evening. Thanks in advance! 8 pm at 449.325 Mhz PL 100.0 Hz. - All welcome! If you don't have your radio or scanner handy, then you can still listen over the Internet at? |
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International Space Station Visible Tonight
International Space Station Visible TonightThere will be another pass this evening but only lasting 3 minutes. The good news is that it will be very high in the sky - 72 degrees. If you have binoculars, try them. You will be amazed! Treat your family and friends to a viewing of the International Space Station tonight. I find that even the most non technical family member or friend get a kick out of seeing the station as it moves across the sky at 17,150 MPH - that's 4.76 miles per second - and about 250 miles above us. If you are an amateur radio operator, take the opportunity to relate how us hams can communicate directly with the ISS or through one of its transponders. The ISS will be visible for 6 minutes and should be a good viewing and becomes visible directly from the West Southwest and disappears toward Northeast. Time: Thursday September 18 6:47 PM Visible: 3 min Max Height: 72¡ã Appears: 72¡ã above ESE (from 248 degrees) Disappears: 11¡ã above NE (toward 45 degrees) I've also attached an illustration that will help you determine how to use this information. You can watch and track the station in advance at this link: And, something new! I've attached a chart of the actual pass. Remember, these times are based on a viewing site from the Mesa area (and within 50 miles). If you would like to generate times from your specific city or town, visit the link and follow the instructions. If your specific city or town isn¡¯t listed, pick the closest one. The space station is visible for at least a 50 mile (80 km) radius around each of the listed locations. If you are an amateur radio operator, listen in (or work) on these frequencies: Voice and SSTV Downlink: 145.80 (Worldwide) Voice Uplink: 144.49 for ITU Regions 2 and 3 VHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 145.825 (Worldwide) - easiest to hear UHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 437.550 UHF/VHF Repeater Uplink: 437.800 UHF/VHF Repeater Downlink: 145.799 (67Hz PL Tone) Regards, Joe N2QOJ |
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New ARRL Podcast -The Eclectic Tech - Episode 16
New ARRL Podcast -The Eclectic Tech - Episode 16 The ARRL began a new podcast and it is hosted by Steve Ford, WB8IMY. This sixteenth episode has the following topics: A chat with Dr Jon Jones, N0JK, about 222 MHz. Is it really the "forgotten band?" Also, tips on shopping for coaxial cable.The Eclectic Tech podcast brings news, interviews, and commentary about technology and science -- all with an amateur radio twist. Stream: As always, feedback is welcome. Regards, Joe, N2QOJ |
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Radios at Home
"Radios at Home" - Saturday, 9/19/2020, 10 AM till 12 PM Heidi, K7ZAE, announces "Radios At Home" Original Announcement: Hello all! I am pleased to announce a way to be "radioactive" during the hotter, summer months. We will be holding what will be known as "Radios At Home." It will begin this weekend, and will be held approximately once a month. It will be just like the "Radios Under Sun Shade"/"Radios in the Park" that you may have already participated in before. The only major difference is that you would operate in the air-conditioned comfort of your own home instead of deploying to a park or other outdoor location. Of course, if you choose to operate mobile or portable, you may do that as well. The only rule to participate (just as it is during ) is that one must operate on off-grid power. That is, you may operate using any source of power besides being plugged into the grid (AC power.) ?The frequencies will also be the same as those which are used for RUSS/RITP. We will be operating simplex on 146.460 MHz. You may wish to use the designated PL tone of 77.0, but it is not required (but some participants may not hear you if you do not.) For HF users, we will be planning on using LSB 7.178 MHz if that is clear. Of course, you may operate on other frequencies or modes as you wish to make contacts. The point of this exercise is to continue to use our skills, to make contacts, and to have fun! |
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International Space Station Visible Tonight
International Space Station Visible TonightFolks - Good news! Another opportunity to spot the International Space Station this evening as it passes over our area in Arizona. It should be a great pass and hopefully the clouds will be minimal. Treat your family and friends to a viewing of the International Space Station tonight. I find that even the most non technical family member or friend get a kick out of seeing the station as it moves across the sky at 17,150 MPH - that's 4.76 miles per second - and about 250 miles above us. If you are an amateur radio operator, take the opportunity to relate how us hams can communicate directly with the ISS or through one of its transponders. The ISS will be visible for 6 minutes and should be a good viewing and becomes visible directly from the West Southwest and disappears toward Northeast. Time: Thurs September 17 7:31 PM Visible: 6 min Max Height: 55¡ã Appears: 10¡ã above WSW (from 248 degrees) Disappears: 11¡ã above NE (toward 45 degrees) I've also attached an illustration that will help you determine how to use this information. You can watch and track the station in advance at this link: And, something new! I've attached a chart of the actual pass. Remember, these times are based on a viewing site from the Mesa area (and within 50 miles). If you would like to generate times from your specific city or town, visit the link and follow the instructions. If your specific city or town isn¡¯t listed, pick the closest one. The space station is visible for at least a 50 mile (80 km) radius around each of the listed locations. If you are an amateur radio operator, listen in (or work) on these frequencies: Voice and SSTV Downlink: 145.80 (Worldwide) Voice Uplink: 144.49 for ITU Regions 2 and 3 VHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 145.825 (Worldwide) - easiest to hear UHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 437.550 UHF/VHF Repeater Uplink: 437.800 UHF/VHF Repeater Downlink: 145.799 (67 Hz PL Tone) Regards, Joe N2QOJ |
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September VHF Contest
QST QST QST For immediate release. Greetings all fellow amateur radio operators!! My name is Dan, N7DSX, and I would like to spread the word about the ARRL September VHF contest, which is coming up this weekend, Saturday-Sunday (12-13) from 11:00 AM Saturday to 759 PM Sunday Arizona local time. 1800 UTC Saturday through 0259 UTC Monday. Over the last several years, the ARRL VHF contests have been gaining big popularity in Arizona as noted by the many unique call signs that those of us operating in the contest are making contacts with. The VHF contest allows for operation on all authorized frequencies above 50Mhz (6 meters through to the microwave bands) and operators will be using CW, SSB, FM, FT8, MSK144, PSK31, FSK441, and JT65
For those of you operators that might be staying at home
this weekend, this is the perfect time to scan the bands and reach out to other
operators that you may not usually have a chance to say hi to. The FM contacts
are limited to simplex (no repeater contacts) and the operators are usually
operating around the standard calling frequencies in both the FM and the SSB/CW
segments of the band. There will be many ¡°Rover¡± stations driving around the state
trying to make contacts from as many maidenhead grids as possible and the rules
of the contest are pretty simple. The main thing to know as an operator is that
your call sign and your maidenhead grid square is your exchange in the contest
and that you can make only 1 contact with each station in any single grid. The
rover stations can be called each time they enter a new grid and that is where
both the operators and the rovers can gain big points in the contest. As rovers, my fellow operators and I put a lot of time and
effort into making our rigs comfortable, efficient, and most importantly, we
travel great lengths to make contacts in as many new grids as possible. We would
be eternally grateful if you would consider not only joining in the fun and
operating with us, but if you would also let all the amateur radio operators
that you know about the contest. You can be in it for fun, or in it to win it, but if you are near your radio this weekend, please join in the contest to help out your fellow operators and please tell a friend. Full detailed information and rules can be found at . Hope to hear you on the air! 73, Dan N7DSX/Rover Arizona VHF Society Member East Valley QRP Club Member ? |
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Upcoming Local Events
1. General Meeting - Tuesday, 9/15/2020 The September meeting will NOT be held at the Charles K. Luster Building, but will be on the air and via Zoom instead. Check-ins will be taken starting at 7 PM.? The meeting will likely go beyond the normal 9 PM completion. Date: September 15th Time:? Meetings start at 7 PM and are generally over around 9 PM. Location: Zoom and the 147.12 repeater. Non-members may request a Zoom?meeting link by sending an email to president@.... 2. "Radios at Home" - Saturday, 9/19/2020, 10 AM till 12 PM Heidi, K7ZAE, announces "Radios At Home" Original Announcement: Hello all! I am pleased to announce a way to be "radioactive" during the hotter, summer months. We will be holding what will be known as "Radios At Home." It will begin this weekend, and will be held approximately once a month. It will be just like the "Radios Under Sun Shade"/"Radios in the Park" that you may have already participated in before. The only major difference is that you would operate in the air-conditioned comfort of your own home instead of deploying to a park or other outdoor location. Of course, if you choose to operate mobile or portable, you may do that as well. The only rule to participate (just as it is during ) is that one must operate on off-grid power. That is, you may operate using any source of power besides being plugged into the grid (AC power.) ?The frequencies will also be the same as those which are used for RUSS/RITP. We will be operating simplex on 146.460 MHz. You may wish to use the designated PL tone of 77.0, but it is not required (but some participants may not hear you if you do not.) For HF users, we will be planning on using LSB 7.178 MHz if that is clear. Of course, you may operate on other frequencies or modes as you wish to make contacts. The point of this exercise is to continue to use our skills, to make contacts, and to have fun! 3. VE Test Session - Social Distancing Compliant - Saturday, 9/26/2020, 10 AM Chuck, W7CBR, and friends will host a VE test session on Saturday, September 26th at about 10 AM, probably in Mesa. If you, or someone you know, is interested in taking the tech exam or upgrade exam, you must contact Chuck to register. THERE IS NO CHARGE! Chuck will then fill you in on location and exact time. Please contact Chuck at Rogers_Charles@... 4. Nets * Nets * Nets There are some great nets in the Phoenix Valley. follow this link to the QCARC Net Calendar: |
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QCECG weekly training net - 9/6/2020 @ 8 PM (20:00)
QCECG?weekly training net - 9/6/2020 @ 8 PM (20:00)This message is directed to the casual ham radio operators out there. If you haven't checked in to this net recently, please do so. It takes little effort to fire up your handheld, mobile, or base radio and spend a few minutes exercising your radio skills. It's not a lot of time and effort to ensure that you and your radio station are capable when necessary. If you can't spend a lot of time on the net, just check-in as a "Short Time" station. We will check you in and out and you can go about your Sunday evening. Thanks in advance! 8 pm at 449.325 Mhz PL 100.0 Hz. - All welcome! If you don't have your radio or scanner handy, then you can still listen over the Internet at? |
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Upcoming Test Session - Social Distancing Compliant
Upcoming Test Session - Social Distancing CompliantChuck, W7CBR, and friends will host a VE test session on Saturday, September 26th at about 10 AM, probably in Mesa. If you, or someone you know, is interested in taking the tech exam or upgrade exam, you must contact Chuck to register. THERE IS NO CHARGE! Chuck will then fill you in on location and exact time. Please contact Chuck at Rogers_Charles@... This ham community message brought to you by: |
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QCECG weekly training net - 8/30/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)
QCECG?weekly training net - 8/30/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)This message is directed to the casual ham radio operators out there. If you haven't checked in to this net recently, please do so. It takes little effort to fire up your handheld, mobile, or base radio and spend a few minutes exercising your radio skills. It's not a lot of time and effort to ensure that you and your radio station are capable when necessary. If you can't spend a lot of time on the net, just check-in as a "Short Time" station. We will check you in and out and you can go about your Sunday evening. Thanks in advance! 8 pm at 449.325 Mhz PL 100.0 Hz. - All welcome! If you don't have your radio or scanner handy, then you can still listen over the Internet at? |
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New ARRL Podcast -The Eclectic Tech - Episode 15
New ARRL Podcast -The Eclectic Tech - Episode 15 The ARRL began a new podcast and it is hosted by Steve Ford, WB8IMY. This fifteenth episode has the following topics:
Talking with ARRL Product Review engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM, about shopping for HF transceivers.The Eclectic Tech podcast brings news, interviews, and commentary about technology and science -- all with an amateur radio twist. Stream: As always, feedback is welcome. Regards, Joe, N2QOJ |
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Solar cycle minimum passed in December 2019 I received this note yesterday from Jim, KF7E, our local propagation guru. Sounds like very good news! From Jim: "According to the stats, it begins to look like the very long minimum has passed. (Caveat: '...there are lies, damned lies, then there are statistics'." Was Mark Twain a ham ahead of his time?) But of course the day-to-day changes will not likely become obvious for many months yet... More info at http://www.sidc.be/silso/node/166 73, Jim, KF7E
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Attention Weather Enthusiasts!
Attention Weather Enthusiasts! Our friends at NOAA Phoenix report that the next few days - starting with Saturday - are shaping up to be the rainiest days of this Monsoon season.Sector 2 ¨C Maricopa and Pinal Counties: 442.550 MHz ¨C PL 100.0 (Alternate - 147.08 MHz) Sector 6 ¨C Southern Gila County: 147.200 MHz ¨C PL 162.2 Sector 7 ¨C SW Arizona 146.780 MHz ¨C PL 103.5 and SE California: 146.880 MHz - PL 162.2 If you are a current certified Weather Spotter, you can also report in through repeater, email or the 800 number. Regards, Joe, N2QOJ |
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QCECG weekly training net - 8/23/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)
QCECG?weekly training net - 8/23/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)This message is directed to the casual ham radio operators out there. If you haven't checked in to this net recently, please do so. It takes little effort to fire up your handheld, mobile, or base radio and spend a few minutes exercising your radio skills. It's not a lot of time and effort to ensure that you and your radio station are capable when necessary. If you can't spend a lot of time on the net, just check-in as a "Short Time" station. We will check you in and out and you can go about your Sunday evening. Thanks in advance! 8 pm at 449.325 Mhz PL 100.0 Hz. - All welcome! If you don't have your radio or scanner handy, then you can still listen over the Internet at? |
Joe Sammartino
